Russia has developed an effective online tactics game, using cheap and widespread methods to manipulate public opinion and sow discord. Their goal is to create an environment where no online space feels safe or trustworthy.
Tactics:
Creating fake accounts to spread false information and ignite conflicts
Targeting sensitive topics like race, politics, and hobbies to exploit emotions and provoke reactions
Posting “clueless” comments to elicit responses from genuine users, then fueling the resulting flame wars
Playing both sides by promoting opposing views with a mix of truth and disinformation
Consequences:
Fracturing English-speaking communities and eroding trust online
Normalizing toxic behavior and making it seem like “just how things are”
Disrupting healthy discussions and debates, creating an atmosphere of hopelessness and cynicism
The Threat:
Russia’s online psyops campaign is a real and significant threat to global democracy and community cohesion. By recognizing this threat and taking steps to mitigate its effects, we can work towards preserving the integrity and safety of online spaces.
Although that may be effective to some, that format is too dry and science-y to tap into the people who need to be reached.
We need the power of a human being’s impassioned words, presented in the context of a natural conversation, converted into a meme-able format. The simplest way would be to copy/paste the original comment and start sharing it on other platforms. If there is a way to make the message more succinct, without losing that crucial human touch that inspires people to relate to the message, that would be ideal.
Computers to the rescue. AI succinctification:
Here’s a distilled version of the article:
Russian Psyops: Poisoning Online Communities
Russia has developed an effective online tactics game, using cheap and widespread methods to manipulate public opinion and sow discord. Their goal is to create an environment where no online space feels safe or trustworthy.
Tactics:
Consequences:
The Threat:
Russia’s online psyops campaign is a real and significant threat to global democracy and community cohesion. By recognizing this threat and taking steps to mitigate its effects, we can work towards preserving the integrity and safety of online spaces.
Although that may be effective to some, that format is too dry and science-y to tap into the people who need to be reached.
We need the power of a human being’s impassioned words, presented in the context of a natural conversation, converted into a meme-able format. The simplest way would be to copy/paste the original comment and start sharing it on other platforms. If there is a way to make the message more succinct, without losing that crucial human touch that inspires people to relate to the message, that would be ideal.