Data Journalism and Misinformation

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the intersection of data journalism and misinformation by discussing research into epistemic practices for finding and working with data as well as how data is used to make claims about events and public affairs. It discusses examples of data journalism and misinformation related to the COVID-19 pandemic. There is a significant body of literature in (digital) journalism studies focusing on the developments in data journalism over time as well as current practices, challenges, and outcomes. Ultimately it is important to ask if data journalism and the findings produced are presented as ‘facts’ or with descriptions of the biases and limitations of the data. Platform companies continuously moderate illegal content as well as misinformation, and companies such as Facebook have ramped up these efforts during COVID-19. COVID-19 has highlighted an acute issue in data journalism and, more generally, in the profession as the complexity of the pandemic demands disciplinary expertise, resources, and time.