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In-depth Notes on Information Manipulation Strategies

Definitions of Information Manipulation

  • Manipulated Information Campaigns
    • Deliberate
    • Covert
    • Coordinated
    • Dissemination of manipulated information

Types of Persuasion and Information Quality

  • Misinformation vs. Disinformation

    • Misinformation: False information spread without intent to deceive.
    • Disinformation: False information spread with the intent to deceive.

  • Propaganda Types:

    • White Propaganda: Transparent, well-intentioned sources (e.g., vaccination campaigns, public service announcements).
    • Grey Propaganda: Questionable intent (e.g., Radio Free Europe).
    • Black Propaganda: Covertly deceptive (e.g., incitement to violence; divisions based on hate).

Covert Disinformation

  • Definition: Non-attributed or falsely attributed communications that intentionally present false or incomplete information.
    • Objective: To mislead or induce error among target groups.
    • Source: Richard H. Schultz and Roy Godson.

Simulation of Authenticity

  • Utilizing deceptive tactics to appear credible.

Tactics in Forging Online Identities

  • Social Media Deception:
    • Sock Puppets: Fake accounts created under false identities.
    • Bots: Automated accounts with scripted interactions.
    • Trolls: Actors aiming to create controversy or stir up debates.

Astroturfing

  • The practice of masking the sponsors of a message to appear as if it originates from grassroots participants.

Coordinated Social Media Campaigns

  • Since 2019, social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook identify coordinated campaigns originating from certain countries, such as China.
    • Characteristics: Low-quality information, apparent laziness in crafting messages.

Cases of Chinese Influence Operations

  • Examples include operations related to hashtags promoting China during the COVID-19 outbreak, with approximately 46.3% of relevant tweets being generated by bots.

Public Relations Agencies and Influence

  • Examples of campaigns utilizing multiple sites in different languages to promote positive narratives for China.

Tactics to Discredit and Divide Opponents

  • Methods include sowing discord by amplifying divisive issues and spreading panic.
  • Example: Creating narratives around ineffective pandemic responses in different countries due to misinformation.

Objectives of Information Manipulation

  • Achieving narrative dominance and utilizing official social media accounts for political interference and disinformation.

Citizen Movements and Global Resistance

  • Anti-Cold War sentiments and protests against U.S. foreign policy, emphasizing cooperation rather than conflict.