The Axis of Misinformation: Evaluating the X axis and Y axis of Misinformative Graphs

Misleading graphs spread misinformation under the guise of scientific legitimacy. While researchers have evaluated the importance of x axis and y axis truncation, there is currently limited research comparing properly scaled informative infographics and improperly scaled misinformative infographics. By comparing infographics that spread correct information and infographics that spread misinformation, we may better understand the presentation of x/y axis truncation to spread misinformation. Anti-vaccine graphic misinformation is a current and present health danger. While vaccines are safe and prevent the spread of disease, anti-vaccine rhetoric is effective at dissuading parents from vaccinating their children. Specifically, anti-vaccine organizations argue that vaccines recommended for children, such as the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine, are directly dangerous. The use of misleading graphs further lends credibility to anti-vaccine beliefs. Understanding the use of a truncated x/y axis when spreading misinformation about vaccines allows information seekers to avoid misinformation.