Sara Wilford Discusses the SMIDGE Project in Exclusive Interview with Nikkei

Dr. Sara Wilford from De Montfort University recently spoke with Nikkei, one of Japan’s most prominent newspapers, about the SMIDGE Project. Following the interview, Nikkei published an article detailing the discussion. During the interview, Wilford elaborated on the project’s core objectives. “We are analysing networks and patterns of information dissemination amongst the middle-aged by, for example, conducting sentiment analysis on social media comments,” she explained. She further highlighted how the project aims to identify the mechanisms driving misinformation consumption and distribution in this age group. A key point Wilford emphasized was the need to shift research focus toward the middle-aged population. While discussions on radicalization often center on younger individuals, she pointed out that this perspective overlooks significant threats posed by older groups. The article explained how past incidents in the UK—including attacks on mosques and immigration centers—were perpetrated by individuals aged 40 to 60, yet this demographic is rarely examined in the context of online extremism. “I realised that nobody cared about the middle-aged group,” she stated, noting that they are often lumped into vague categories such as ‘over 50s’, making their unique vulnerabilities to misinformation invisible. The SMIDGE Project aims to change that.

Although the research is ongoing, early findings from a survey of 650 Europeans indicate that middle-aged individuals are just as vulnerable to misinformation as younger people—despite often considering themselves more discerning. 

The article further revealed that many middle-aged people experience frustration with their daily lives and feel increasingly ignored, leading them to seek engagement in local issues via social media, where misinformation thrives. The SMIDGE Project’s research underscores the need to address this overlooked issue before it escalates further. Wilford stressed the wider societal consequences of these findings. Unlike younger individuals, middle-aged people often hold influential positions in politics, business, and media, making their exposure to misinformation particularly concerning. 

“If middle-aged people in power make statements and decisions based on misinformation, the implications for elections and society are huge,” Wilford warned. Even those without formal authority can still contribute to the rapid spread of falsehoods by sharing misinformation within their networks.

Addressing the issue requires effective countermeasures. Wilford noted that research suggests post-bunking—correcting misinformation after it has been encountered—is more effective than pre-bunking (proactively warning about misinformation). In response, the SMIDGE Project is actively developing short educational videos for social media and training materials for journalists to enhance media literacy and combat disinformation effectively.

Wilford concluded with a powerful call to action, urging people to be more critical of the information they consume online:

“It is not easy to pull back those who have tumbled down the path of radicalisation through disinformation. What is important is to take a momentary pause rather than blindly clicking on the next.”

Her insights, as shared with Nikkei, bring much-needed attention to a demographic that has been largely ignored in discussions about misinformation and radicalization. The article underscores the importance of the SMIDGE Project's work in shaping future policies and intervention strategies.

To read the full article, visit: https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGKKZO87564510U5A320C2PD0000/