review this research proposal and give me feedback. I need to write a research project for a dissertation for my application to the Master “Global journalism and communication” of Panthéon-Assas University. I am not sure about the methodology, I want it to sound more academic and human

## Mitigating Misinformation in the Digital Age: Effect of Critical Thinking and Media Literacy Interventions on Habitual Adaptation

Research Question: How can informed and context-aware media literacy interventions effectively disrupt habitual adaptation to algorithmic personalization, thereby mitigating the spread of misinformation and fostering a more open public sphere?

### Introduction

In the current digital landscape, personalized algorithms hold a significant impact on the information we consume. This has resulted in the formation of filter bubbles, often called “echo chambers”, online platforms where individuals are exposed only to content that reinforces their pre-existing beliefs, potentially leading to group polarization and therefore limiting the scope of open dialogue in the political and public discourse. The filter bubble effect, often associated with algorithmic personalization, has drawn significant attention due to its impact on information diversity. However, findings suggest that there is a limited understanding of the specific mechanisms underlying digital echo chambers and filter bubbles, thus focusing solely on information diversity may not be enough. A more fundamental issue that requires attention and further research is habitual adaptation.

Our research attempts to study how contextually-informed media literacy interventions can disrupt habitual adaptation to algorithmic personalization, reduce the spread of misinformation, and foster a more inclusive public sphere. Additionally, we aim to explore why different groups interpret the same information in varying landscapes and develop strategies to prevent ideological perspectives from becoming entrenched as partisan identities.

### Objectives

The primary objective of our research proposal is to develop and test targeted and effective strategies to entrust users with the necessary skills and knowledge to critically engage with information and counter misinformation. Specifically, our research aims to achieve the following two objectives:

1. Disrupting habitual adaptation, which refers to users’ tendency to adapt to algorithmic personalization and limit their exposure to diverse perspectives. We propose to explore how tailored media literacy interventions can effectively disrupt this behaviour and encourage users to seek out diverse perspectives.
2. Mitigating misinformation spread by training users with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively identify and counter misinformation. This will involve providing users with a comprehensive understanding of the context, content, creation, circulation, consumption, and consequences of information.

Through our research proposal, we aim to contribute to the field of media literacy and misinformation studies by providing evidence-based interventions that can effectively empower users to become critical consumers of information and counter misinformation.

### Research Approach

The critical questions of our research revolve around answering the following:

- How do users habitually adapt to algorithmic personalization, and how does this impact their exposure to information within filter bubbles?
- What role does critical thinking play in breaking habitual patterns and promoting a more diverse information consumption?
- Why do different groups in society develop highly divergent personal readings of the same information? How does this result in the solidification of contrasting ideological perspectives into group polarization?

To try and answer those questions, we will use the methodology that follows.

### Methodology

1. Literature Review: Synthesizing existing research on media literacy, algorithmic personalization, and misinformation, we will identify gaps and build upon prior knowledge. Understanding the nuances of filter bubbles and user adaptation patterns will inform our intervention design.
2. Mixed-Methods Approach: Surveys, interviews, and behavioural experiments will help explore user behaviour within personalized content ecosystems. Quantitative analysis will measure adaptation patterns, while qualitative insights will enhance our understanding of user experiences.
3. Intervention Design: Collaborating with experts, we will create context-aware media literacy modules. These interventions will address misinformation, promote critical thinking, and encourage information diversity.
4. Participant Recruitment: Recruiting diverse participants ensures representation across demographics and political ideologies. Their insights will enrich our findings.
5. Data Collection and Analysis: Administering pre- and post-intervention assessments, we will analyze data using statistical methods and thematic coding. Ethical considerations guide our research.