Researchers from the Mykolas Romeris University (MRU) Institute of Communication, together with partners from Spain, France, Estonia and Turkey, are conducting a study to understand how the spread of disinformation works in different countries. The initial findings of the study show that fake news is not confined to the borders of a single country – it freely crosses geographical and cultural boundaries, reaching global audiences through platforms such as Telegram.
The spread of disinformation and Russian influence
The study, analyzing more than 1.5 million links shared on Telegram channels in Lithuania and Spain, revealed that groups operating in both countries intensively share similar conspiracy theories. Although these countries are very different linguistically and culturally, the main themes of disinformation in both countries are very similar.
One of them is the so-called “Turbo Cancer” theory, which claims that COVID-19 vaccines cause rapidly progressive cancer. Although there is no scientific evidence, this misinformation is spread through false but influential articles and videos.
Another widespread theory is that of Ukrainian biolaboratories, which claims that Ukraine is secretly developing biological weapons with the help of the United States. This narrative is especially popular in Lithuania, where Russian media sources are used more often.
In addition, so-called new anti-vaccine “heroes” whose supposed experts are trying to expose the “real” threats of COVID-19 vaccines are actively spreading on Telegram channels. For example, an article written by a retired neurosurgeon has been widely shared, even though his claims contradict the scientific evidence.
The research also showed that references to Russian media sources spreading conspiracy theories about the West are actively spreading in Lithuania. Russian-language references and domains such as .ru were common in Lithuanian Telegram channels, reinforcing distrust of Western institutions, especially when it comes to the Ukraine war and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Why is this research important?
According to the scientist coordinating the research, prof. Dr. Asta Zelenkauskaitė, misinformation, especially during a crisis, can have very serious consequences for public health and safety.
“Conspiracy theories not only encourage people to refuse vaccines or ignore health recommendations, but also create a false understanding of world events. Such mistakes can lead to the polarization of society, increase distrust in institutions and strengthen social tension. A comprehensive approach is needed to effectively combat this problem. Developing media literacy, effective fact-checking systems and greater responsibility of social platforms are essential steps to reduce the impact of misinformation,” says Prof. Dr. A. Zelenkauskaitė
This research is part of the international project Profiling and Detection of Malicious Accounts in Digital Social Networks Using Artificial Intelligence, in which an international team aims to understand how malicious actors operate online and how misinformation spreads in social networks.
“The problem of disinformation is not limited to the distortion of scientific facts – it affects the foundations of our society, promotes division and undermines trust between people and institutions,” adds Prof. Dr. A. Zelenkauskaitė.
The researchers hope that this work will lead to a better understanding of how information is spread online and contribute to more effective measures to protect the public from the effects of false information.
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2024-09-30 19:14:28
