Abstract
This article explores the phenomenon of virtual communities disseminating false and manipulated content. The author points out the relationship between contemporary changes in the media environment, influencing the formation of social identity, worldview and the feeling of emotions, and the intentional creation of virtual communities around disinformation content. The impact of disinformation campaigns, initiated by organised state and non-state actors, on the creation of virtual communities complicit in the creation, reproduction and propagation of false narratives was also considered. The objectives of such campaigns, which focus on creating alternative information environments and disinformation communities, are identified and described. Contemporary social transformations were then characterised in relation to the role played by virtual communities in the adaptation of individuals to these changes. Particular attention was paid to increasing individualisation, the formation of social identification in digital media and the growth of a sense of anxiety and insecurity in society. As a result, mechanisms that are well-established in contemporary social transformations have been identified that foster the formation of and participation in disinformation communities, viz: (1) helping to understand complex and unclear socially important topics; (2) pointing to the “right” norms and values; (3) helping to form a worldview; (4) supporting coping with difficult-to-control emotions; (5) creating a space for the expression of rebellion and countercultural attitudes; (6) creating a space of “escape” for excluded or marginalised individuals; (7) helping to shape social identification. The effects of disinformation campaigns based on the participation of virtual communities were also identified, viz: (1) the creation of “unconscious disinformation agents”, (2) the formation of oppositional identities, (3) the polarisation of communities around emotions, and (4) the normalisation of extreme values and views.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.