impact of misinformation on MINT Development

• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/2047/D20420737

As technology continues to rapidly advance and spread throughout the developing world, understanding misinformation is critical for developing countries to maintain momentum in productivity - a key indicator for economic growth and development. The purpose of this study is to better understand the way in which misinformation impacts development by examining microeconomic factors that influence development, social trust, political polarization, and media independence. This study includes case studies of Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Turkey (the MINTs) and will explore economic, political, and social factors of each country, as well as their response to misinformation about COVID-19. This analysis determines that misinformation will have a mild impact on development in Indonesia and Nigeria, whereas in Mexico and Turkey misinformation - not other underlying factors - directly impedes development by undermining social trust and accelerating corruption and authoritarianism. Technology adoption and diffusion will only increase globally, and with it, misinformation. Understanding trends, patterns, and themes of misinformation can help optimize growth potential in developing countries by informing decisions on productivity.--Author's abstract