DISINFORMATION ACTIVITIES

Exposure to misinformation is on the rise, yet few people are able to spot it

Introduction

In today’s digital landscape, misinformation poses a significant threat to public debate and democratic stability. The rise of social media, the rapid circulation of content, the disintermediation of information, and technologies such as artificial intelligence make the environment particularly vulnerable to manipulation.

Disinformation campaigns consist of organised strategies that spread false, manipulated or taken-out-of-context content in order to influence people’s perception of reality. Among the most common methods are the promotion of extreme viewpoints, the alteration of information and the creation of websites that mimic authoritative sources. The aim is not only to spread misinformation, but above all to disrupt collective decision-making processes, generating confusion, distrust in institutions and social polarisation.

PARALLEL INFORMATION
INFRASTRUCTURES

Creation of alternative media ecosystems that amplify the same content while simulating a plurality of sources.

MONITORING &
DIGITAL FORENSICS

Presence of individuals acting as central nodes in the dissemination and interpretation of information.

RESEARCH &
LEGAL REPORTS

Systematic dissemination of messages that delegitimize institutions, the media, and the scientific community.

Blanket information dissemination strategy

One of the most common features of disinformation campaigns is the existence of alternative information ecosystems comprising interconnected blogs, websites, forums, social media channels and messaging platforms. This approach is known as a ‘carpet-bombing’ strategy. These networks operate as systems of mutual citation, in which the same content is republished across numerous platforms to artificially create the impression of a diversity of sources.

In fact, these are often coordinated networks that amplify the same messages through a mechanism of self-referential information. The strategy aims to discourage fact-checking and create confusion and uncertainty by undermining trust in the media and public institutions.

Charismatic figures leading the way

Disinformation networks tend to organise themselves around charismatic or influential figures, sometimes referred to as ‘disinfluencers’. These individuals act as central hubs within the communication network, shaping the interpretation of events and guiding the dissemination of content.

Their authority often stems from a perceived professional expertise (medical, legal, journalistic or political) which helps to bolster the perceived credibility of the messages disseminated within the community. These figures use a communication method based on provoking strong emotions in the user and encouraging them to share and interact with the disinformation post, thereby increasing its popularity and online presence.

Content that criticises institutions

Disinformation campaigns are often accompanied by narratives that are systematically hostile towards public institutions, the mainstream media and the scientific community.

Such narratives tend to portray institutions as corrupt or manipulative entities and to promote the idea that there is a hidden truth censored by official channels. This mechanism strengthens the group’s internal cohesion and makes individuals more inclined to trust information originating from the alternative ecosystem. Furthermore, the content of these campaigns is often highly emotive and instils feelings of anger or surprise in readers, who become increasingly drawn to this online content as they engage with it.

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