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.