Using open data to combat disinformation: A study on a sample of immigrants in Turkey

Within the scope of this research, it was analyzed to what extent open data can be an effective tool in detecting disinformation about immigrants produced in the media environment in Turkey. This study, which was conducted on the basis of qualitative analysis techniques, aimed to present a new analytical framework in the fight against disinformation in communication science by proposing a multi-layered model combining content analysis, discourse analysis and open data comparisons. The 101 news items examined in the study were classified under five main themes: immigration statistics, association with crime, representations after extraordinary periods such as disasters and elections, political discourses and general opinion content. In all of these themes, it was determined that immigrants were presented in a negative, reductionist and generalizing manner. Immigrants were mostly represented as statistical redundancy, security threat, social burden or political argument; the human dimension was neglected. It has been observed that disinformation is produced not only through the presentation of false information, but also through distortion of context, exaggeration of numerical data, or misleading use of visuals. It has been determined that these structures become more intense in extraordinary situations, especially during election periods, disaster processes or security crises. Existing open data sources have been used effectively in verifying media content; they have provided a strong reference, especially in evaluating numerical news. Data published by institutions such as the Migration Administration, TÜİK, and UNHCR have shown that disinformation content is false or out of context. In this context, the lack of data is the biggest obstacle to data-based fact-checking. In addition, open data has sometimes been insufficient when it comes to speculative comments, attributions of intent, and political rhetoric. These two situations have also revealed the limitations of data-based fact- checking. In conclusion, this study presents a systematic critique of immigrant representations in the media environment in Turkey; it demonstrates both the necessity and applicability of open data-based fact- checking practices in the fight against disinformation. It also emphasizes the need to develop media literacy, open data policies and fact-checking mechanisms; and it presents a data-based analysis model for communication science.