From Validity to Inter-Subjectivity: An Argument for Reliability Signals in Search Environments

2026-04-01

AI Summary

Traditional credibility assessments centered on factual truth struggle to address the complexity of misinformation in search environments. This work proposes a shift toward an intersubjective framework, moving beyond binary true/false judgments by integrating the philosophical concept of intersubjectivity to reconceptualize credibility within search systems. By synthesizing information retrieval, epistemological analysis, and human-computer interaction design, the study develops a reliability signaling mechanism grounded in multi-agent consensus. This approach offers search platforms a more robust and user-adaptive strategy for guiding credibility perceptions, thereby significantly enhancing the overall health of the information ecosystem.

Abstract

Search engines and information platforms are increasingly scrutinized for their role in spreading misinformation. Traditional responses often focus on detecting falsehoods or verifying the ultimate validity of claims. This paper argues that such a validity-centered framing is inadequate for the epistemic challenges of search environments.

Problem

• misinformation
• validity
• search environments
• epistemic challenges
• reliability

Innovation

• inter-subjectivity
• reliability signals
• search environments
• misinformation
• epistemic challenges