I hate to break it to a lot of people, but if what you write/post contributes to disinformation narratives, you *are* the disinformation.
My new piece for @SURfdn’s #defusingdisinfo blog /1 standuprepublic.com/what-lessons-h…
My new piece for @SURfdn’s #defusingdisinfo blog /1 standuprepublic.com/what-lessons-h…
What do I mean?
While it isn’t a new tactic, recent reporting shows that malign information operators are focusing more on amplifying conspiracies and disinfo created already by Americans in this election cycle (instead of making their own.) /2
nytimes.com/2020/06/15/tec…
While it isn’t a new tactic, recent reporting shows that malign information operators are focusing more on amplifying conspiracies and disinfo created already by Americans in this election cycle (instead of making their own.) /2
nytimes.com/2020/06/15/tec…
This allows them to use disposable accounts to promote and amplify bad information, instead of having to build established infrastructure. /3
Central to this is an idea discussed earlier in this series:
that disinformation fails if we refuse to be a part of the machinery and behavior essential to its function.
This isn’t just about truth, but about understanding how disinfo really works and spreads. /4
that disinformation fails if we refuse to be a part of the machinery and behavior essential to its function.
This isn’t just about truth, but about understanding how disinfo really works and spreads. /4
One of the stories from the past 4 years that I think about the most is this one, where a reporter goes back &interviews people who it turns out were taking money, support, etc from the Kremlin’s “troll farm” in 2016 to organize events/other actions. /5
theguardian.com/world/2017/oct…
theguardian.com/world/2017/oct…
The responses from the black activists were a mixed bag — everything from outrage at the exploitation to “oh well, if the Kremlin wants to help, fine.”
That latter group haunts me. Because an awful lot of people on this site feel the same. /6
That latter group haunts me. Because an awful lot of people on this site feel the same. /6
If you think that way, you are being manipulated. Behaviorally engineered.
We’ve discussed before how Kremlin trolls “rewarded” accounts that engaged with disinformation narratives and accounts, with increased following, likes, etc. This changes your behavior. /7
We’ve discussed before how Kremlin trolls “rewarded” accounts that engaged with disinformation narratives and accounts, with increased following, likes, etc. This changes your behavior. /7
China-based apps not only censor certain anti-China content, but the algorithms reward accounts that engage in pro-China content and narratives. /8
wsj.com/articles/tikto…
wsj.com/articles/tikto…
These are both forms of behavioral engineering.
And you should be aware of how they work /9
And you should be aware of how they work /9
As COVID conspiracies, antifa conspiracies, and viral video content flood social media — we must all, left and right, no matter your political beliefs, clean up our act when it comes to sharing content. /10
So what can you do?
First, it matters what narratives you are contributing to online — intentionally or not — and you should be aware not only of where your content comes from, but where it is going. /11
First, it matters what narratives you are contributing to online — intentionally or not — and you should be aware not only of where your content comes from, but where it is going. /11
One of the examples I always use in my classes is the doofus guy who repeated a bunch of Kremlin conspiracies about me, got his twitter thread written up by RT, was then embarrassed about it, but learned nothing, because he still believed what he was saying was based in fact. /12
If sketchy accounts are amplifying you — take a look at what you are saying, and how. /13
Remember: disinformation is as much about context and intent as truth.
If you’re writing divisive content for the disinformation machine, stop. Figure out a slower, better way to add context to content you post. /14
If you’re writing divisive content for the disinformation machine, stop. Figure out a slower, better way to add context to content you post. /14
Second, block bots and disruptive or sketchy accounts that follow and promote you, even if they are agreeing with you. There are a lot of 2016 accounts back in the game... be vigilant.
Disincentive the lazy-machinery of propaganda and disinformation whenever you can. /15
Disincentive the lazy-machinery of propaganda and disinformation whenever you can. /15
Third, don’t “follow back” or “friend” automatically. Don’t pass on content on more localized platforms if it is from a source you don’t know.
Remember the way you engage with accounts and information builds networks that can be monitored and exploited by others. /16
Remember the way you engage with accounts and information builds networks that can be monitored and exploited by others. /16
Fourth, if you find yourself sharing sympathies or narrative with an identified hostile foreign actor or other malign actor, question why, and what that means. /17
Fifth, always ask what the purpose of the information in front of you is, and what it aims to achieve.
Don’t be a cog in the disinformation machine.
Read the piece: /18
standuprepublic.com/what-lessons-h…
Don’t be a cog in the disinformation machine.
Read the piece: /18
standuprepublic.com/what-lessons-h…
Twitter crashed and glitched so reposting rest of thread here
