The research suggests figures such as tech mogul Elon Musk, a self-proclaimed “free-speech absolutist”, are out of step with how the public want to resolve moral dilemmas regarding misinformation on social media. Its findings showed people largely support intervention to control the spread of misinformation, especially if it is harmful and shared repeatedly. 

Content moderation of online speech is a moral minefield, particularly when freedom of expression and preventing harm caused by misinformation are conflicting. By understanding more about how people think these moral dilemmas should be addressed, the research aims to help shape new rules for content moderation which the public will regard as legitimate. 

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Kozyreva A et al. (2023). Resolving content moderation dilemmas between free speech and harmful misinformation. PNAS.