Date of Award
8-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
First Advisor
Thomas C. Eskridge
Second Advisor
Heidi Hatfield Edwards
Third Advisor
Sneha Sudhakaran
Fourth Advisor
Brian A. Lail
Abstract
In an era of rapid news consumption, readers often struggle to detect bias and misinformation. This study examined whether interface design can support more critical engagement with news. We developed a progressive disclosure interface that encouraged users to reflect as they read by gradually revealing bias and factual cues. Participants were assigned to either Progressive Disclosure or Ground News. The experiment involved two phases. In the intervention phase, participants used an interface with support features. In the assessment phase, they completed tasks without the tool. We evaluated their performance using five measures: bias recognition accuracy, bias shift, factuality judgment, overlap with manipulated facts, and total statements flagged across both phases. Findings showed that while both groups revised their bias ratings to a similar extent during the intervention phase, participants who used the progressive disclosure interface aligned more closely with expert ratings and identified factual distortions more accurately. They not only flagged more questionable statements but also demonstrated greater precision in identifying the ones that were actually manipulated. Even in the assessment phase, without tool support, they continued to perform better in both volume and accuracy. These results suggest that the design encouraged habits of reflective and skeptical reading. Overall, thoughtful interface choices helped participants question, verify, and evaluate news content more effectively across both supported and independent reading contexts
Recommended Citation
Majan, Anjali, "Designing a User-Centered Bias System to Enhance Media Literacy and Factual Accuracy" (2025). Theses and Dissertations. 1585.
https://repository.fit.edu/etd/1585