The State of Social Media Misinformation Funding in 2024

Defining Research and Evaluation for Integrity Issues on Social MediaThe Grant for Integrity Research Request, funded by a Banking Institution, focuses on supporting research proposals that aim to understand challenges related to integrity issues on social media and social technology platforms. In this context, Research and Evaluation refer to the systematic investigation into and assessment of these integrity issues, with the goal of enriching our understanding and contributing to the growth of scientific knowledge. This involves examining the complexities of social media and technology platforms, their impact on society, and the measures needed to mitigate integrity issues.To be considered within the scope of this grant, research proposals must directly address integrity issues on social media and social technology platforms. This includes, but is not limited to, studies on misinformation, disinformation, hate speech, and other forms of harmful content. Applicants should clearly articulate how their research will contribute to a deeper understanding of these issues and inform strategies to address them. Those who should apply are researchers and evaluators with expertise in social media, technology, and related fields, particularly those with a background in social sciences, computer science, or interdisciplinary research.Conversely, proposals that do not directly relate to integrity issues on social media and social technology platforms may not be considered. For instance, research focused solely on the technological development of new social media features or platforms without addressing integrity issues would be outside the scope of this grant.## Trends and Priorities in Research and Evaluation for Social Media IntegrityThe landscape of research and evaluation concerning integrity issues on social media is rapidly evolving. Recent policy and market shifts have highlighted the need for rigorous, evidence-based research to inform regulatory decisions and industry practices. The funder prioritizes research that can provide actionable insights into the root causes of integrity issues and effective mitigation strategies. There is also a growing emphasis on interdisciplinary research that combines insights from social sciences, computer science, and other relevant fields to tackle the complex challenges posed by social media.Capacity requirements for applicants include the ability to design and implement robust research methodologies, access to relevant data sources (which may involve collaborations with social media companies or other data providers), and the capacity to analyze complex data sets. The Banking Institution is particularly interested in funding research that can demonstrate its potential to inform policy and practice, hence applicants should have a clear plan for how their findings will be disseminated and utilized.A concrete regulation that applies to this sector is the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union, which has set a global standard for data protection and privacy. Researchers must ensure compliance with such regulations when handling personal data in their studies. A verifiable delivery challenge unique to this sector is ensuring the validity and reliability of research findings when working with large-scale social media data, which can be noisy, biased, or otherwise challenging to analyze.## Operational Considerations for Research and Evaluation ProjectsDelivering research and evaluation projects under this grant involves several operational challenges. One key consideration is staffing; research teams should include individuals with a range of skills, from research design and data analysis to project management and communication. Resource requirements may also be significant, particularly if projects involve large-scale data collection or complex analyses. Workflow should be carefully planned to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget, and that findings are effectively disseminated to relevant stakeholders.Eligibility barriers for applicants may include limitations in their ability to access the necessary data or resources, or a lack of experience in the specific area of research required by the grant. Compliance traps to avoid include failing to adhere to relevant data protection regulations or not obtaining necessary ethical approvals for research involving human subjects. Projects that are not directly focused on integrity issues on social media and technology platforms are not funded under this grant.Required outcomes for funded projects include the production of high-quality research findings that contribute to our understanding of integrity issues on social media. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) may include the publication of research in peer-reviewed journals, the development of policy briefs or other outputs for practitioners, and the dissemination of findings through conferences or other forums. Reporting requirements will be specified by the funder and may include regular progress reports and a final project report.Q: How do I ensure my research proposal is directly relevant to integrity issues on social media? A: To ensure relevance, clearly articulate in your proposal how your research addresses specific integrity issues, such as misinformation or hate speech, and how it will contribute to a deeper understanding of these issues.Q: What kind of data access do I need for my research project? A: The type of data access needed will depend on your research question. You may need to collaborate with social media companies or other data providers to access relevant data. Be sure to detail your data access plan in your proposal.Q: How will I be expected to disseminate my research findings? A: The funder expects successful applicants to disseminate their findings through various channels, including academic publications, policy briefs, and conferences. Be sure to include a clear dissemination plan in your proposal.