New in Scientific American : Is misinformation *really* a problem? Our take: Exposure to "fake news" is rare, but misinformedness is common- b/c of misleading claims from elites & mainstream news. Solutions must take this into account! w David G. Rand scientificamerican.com/article/combat… 1/N

We have the most working class cabinet in the UK's history, yet almost a quarter of Brits don't feel Labour cares for 'people like them'. The gov appears to have a long way to go to recover from its early gaffes, re: winter fuel payment and clothing gifts.. 📰 screenshot: NYT

In some less doom and gloom news: evidence for democratic "front"sliding in Argentina, Colombia and Mexico (follow up research should probably include Brazil!)

John B. Holbein Have to go with this one

Today were the first local #elections in Belgium since compulsory voting was abolished for local elections in Flanders (it still is compulsory in other regions). The impact was instantaneous and large, with turnout dropping from +90% to ca. 65% according to preliminary estimates.