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The final product of this project will be a well-formulated website. The gap in research on this topic is quite sizable, so there should be no shortage of content to include on a research-focused website. This website will include a literature review section, a section to outline the method, findings, and lastly the discussion. This extensive research into this topic will cover all things short-form video content as well as the patterns of spread of misinformation & conspiracy theories on these platforms. The website will serve as a more user-friendly platform to deliver the most important informative content from the research, with the full research & writing still available. The website will contain all of the important information that had been discovered in the survey, as well as easily digestible discussion and conclusion sections where the results of the study are shown.
The first research question is “Which short-form video platform do users see the most conspiracy theory-related content in?”
The second research question is ‘How does the content on short-form video platforms impact consumers’ political habits?’
This study uses an online survey to collect data and understand how conspiracy theories affect people differently, based on age, political beliefs, and other factors. The online format is chosen for its ability to reach many people quickly and keep their responses anonymous, which is important for sensitive topics. The survey will be sent out through various channels to ensure a diverse group of participants. This method makes it easier to handle and analyze the data, helping to provide clear insights into how conspiracy theories spread and influence different groups.
Image from Google Images
Image from Google Images
This study ensures the complete confidentiality of participant information by not collecting any personal identifying details, helping participants feel safe to provide honest answers about sensitive topics.
The survey specifically seeks participants from various political backgrounds, focusing mainly on Democrats and Republicans, to understand how different political affiliations view conspiracy theories.
In terms of age distribution, the participants primarily consist of younger individuals, with nearly 70% under the age of 35. The groups are broken down as follows: 38% are aged 18-24, 31% are 25-34, 21% are 35-54, and 20% are 55 or older, ensuring a broad age range among the participants.