European Council
dissemination systems such as bots (computer programs that
automatically perform repetitive tasks over the Internet) and
zombie servers.
HOW DO THEY DO IT?
In order to increase log-on time to the net, platforms use
customization algorithms that isolate internauts in a soundbox (filter
bubble) with content related to the user’s search history, reducing
access to information to contrast the news. Troll communities
do similar work, generating a large number of false identities
(sockpuppets) that convey the same idea with similar messages.
In many cases, these messages are supported by false content
created with increasingly sophisticated computer tools for sound,
photo and video editing.
Humour has taken centre stage in information manipulation
campaigns, for which memes have proved to be a very effective
tool; an image with a short text that appeals
to emotion and is easy to relay.
What is right is right if everyone does it.
In 2006, Cialdini established the 6 principles
of influence behind any attempt to persuade.
One of them, the principle of social proof,
states that “we determine what is correct by
finding out what other people think is correct”.
This principle is fully valid on social
networks since, once the information is on
our radar, the more likes it gets, the more appealing it becomes.
You can buy likes on the internet, and one of the main activities
of troll communities is adding comments to the news to give the
impression that most people agree with the ideas they promote.
Another method used to increase social polarization by taking
advantage of controversial issues such as immigration or racial
tensions is actively participating and taking both sides. Numerous
cases have been detected in which sites and active profiles have
been created from the same server, generating emotional content
for each of the conflicting positions, thus seeking greater social
division.
In this regard, the coronavirus disease has not escaped
controversy. One of the most common theories circulating on the
web is that the virus is a U.S. biological weapon that has been
intentionally spread following Trump’s orders to isolate China.
Another theory attributes its origin to
an alleged British laboratory that also
poisoned Russian dissident Skripal in
Salisbury, and others argue that Chinese
spies stole it from a Canadian laboratory.
LEAKS: WHERE DOES MY OPINION
COME FROM?
One of the most powerful dissemination
vehicles is information leaks. This is a very
effective method since the target audience
feels it has access to the truth because
Disinformation
campaigns
find their ideal
hiding place in
cyberspace
August 2020 Revista Española de Defensa 21