Saltar a navegação
On Digital Disinformation and Democratic Myths
Article

On Digital Disinformation and Democratic Myths

MediaWell, 2019

áudio gerado automaticamente
áudio gerado automaticamente

Editorial Rating

9

Qualities

  • Applicable
  • Eye Opening
  • Concrete Examples

Recommendation

Between 2015 and 2017, a Russian organization ran a Facebook page promoting issues related to the Black Lives Matter movement. Designed to sow racial division in the American electorate, the site’s posts received countless likes and shares, but its effect on ordinary Americans remains unclear: most of the attention came from Russian “click farmers.” David Karpf, writing for Mediawell, says that while it’s hard to generate attention on social media, it’s even harder to convince people to vote. Nevertheless, digital disinformation campaigns can damage the functioning of a democracy. This article will engage anyone concerned about the integrity of American elections.

Take-Aways

  • Digital disinformation campaigns don’t have to succeed in deceiving citizens in order to damage democracy.
  • The direct impact of companies like Cambridge Analytica is difficult to demonstrate.
  • Digital disinformation may persuade elected officials that their voters won’t hold them accountable for their actions.

About the Author

David Karpf is Associate Professor of Media and Public Affairs, George Washington University.


More on this topic

Related Channels