The boundaries between fictional storytelling and disinformation seem to have disappeared entirely during the coronavirus pandemic. Conspiracy theorists are using scenes from Hollywood blockbusters to try proving their theories. As such, they are driving panic and scepticism. Three examples
What can we do when fake news is uncovered? In his election campaign, Boris Johnson shamelessly uses fabricated facts to create support for Brexit and turn people against his political opponents. And, in doing so, shows SEO skills we did not expect him to have. On the long-term effects of a disinformation bubble.
The coronavirus crisis adds fuel to the fire surrounding conspiracy theories and false news. Spread internationally by willing helpers, lies about compulsory vaccinations and the “New World Order” have already reached the mainstream of society. The key enemy in the smear campaign: Microsoft founder Bill Gates.
An alleged accident in a chemical factory. A child pornography circle run by Hillary Clinton. A plane crash that never happened. No matter which false story causes the stir, modern disinformation campaigns always use the same techniques. That’s no coincidence. They were once developed by experts and compiled as a guideline.
The current situation in Africa has made it clear that ‘alternative facts’ can be life-threatening. A careless remark by the US president and fake news stories about supposed remedies are having devastating consequences. A fact-checking platform is working to bring some order to the deluge of information.
