Algorithmic deception: a scoping review of mass communication research on algorithmic dissemination of mis- and disinformation, propaganda, fake news, and conspiracy theories

Abstract Purpose As state and non-state actors increasingly weaponize digital search tools, this study aimed to identify what is known in mass communication literature about the role of algorithms and search engines in disseminating deceptive communication. In the context of this study, “deceptive communication” includes mis- and disinformation (also notated as mis/disinformation), propaganda, fake news, and conspiracy theories. Design/method We conducted a scoping review of 35 articles. Articles were identified via semi-structured searches on EBSCO’s Communication & Mass Media Complete and screened for inclusion based on abstracts and titles. Three researchers coded the articles, looking specifically for the studies’ key findings, which included (1) the visibility of algorithmic deception, (2) factors that could be leading to it, and (3) proposed methods to counteract or mitigate it. Findings Studies show that search engines and digital algorithms grant high visibility to deceptive communication. Various factors could be leading algorithms to generate such visibility, including a public appetite for polarizing content and corporations’ desires to profit from such content. Scholars also point toward ways to mitigate this visibility, such as using algorithms to generate corrections and decentralizing algorithms out of the hands of large companies. Practical and social implications This study underscores the prevalence of deceptive communication in digital search tools and algorithms. In light of the high visibility that algorithms grant to deceptive communication, we argue that there should be increased collaboration between scholars and practitioners aimed at implementing corrective measures on a wider scale. The study also reveals scholarly inconsistencies in addressing search engine personalization (e.g., search history), which can limit the generalizability of algorithmic deception studies. Future research avenues and practical implications are discussed. Originality and value This is one of the first studies to provide a coherent overview of key trends and findings in academic scholarship on algorithmic deception.