Introducing a praxeological framework for studying disinformation

Abstract

This article introduces a praxeological framework for studying disinformation grounded on French pragmatism and American ethnomethodology. It underscores the relevance of looking upon the communicative setting where individuals must be engaged to tell deceptive stories. In addition, it foregrounds participants’ attitudinal commitment to an ongoing interaction that may drive them to believe in disinformation in particular circumstances. This study adds to the scholarly work on disinformation by extending individual-level explanations for the appeal of deceptive messages. It also presents the concept of situations of disinformation as a heuristic notion that draws attention to the instances where falsehoods sound relevant. Last, it advances an empirical-driven framework with several methodological recommendations for further research. The praxeological approach also has practical implications for fact-checking and media literacy programs.