It’s been over a year since America’s democracy faced a major test. On Jan. 6, 2021, pro-Trump supporters stormed the Capitol. And interrupted Congress’s certification of the 2020 election results. The attack came after then-President Trump and his allies repeatedly made baseless accusations of voter fraud. And claimed President-elect Biden’s win was fraudulent.
Allegations of voter fraud and a “rigged” election are part of a misinformation and disinformation campaign that continues to echo across the country to this day. Note: The term — and the reality of — "fake news" isn't new. In fact, it's been used to divide populations for centuries. But it's gotten more prevalent...and more dangerous. In February, US officials warned that false info about this year’s midterms could spark more violence. And that political candidates and election workers may be targets.
And it's not just a US problem. Around the world, stories about coronavirus vaccines and the Russia-Ukraine war have been twisted to help build opposing narratives. From claims that a horse dewormer can help treat COVID-19, to the US funding biological weapons labs in Ukraine, to injured Ukrainians being crisis actors. All false claims, BTW. Yet, there are plenty of people believing these stories.
In this edition of Breaking Down the Buzz, we'll dive into:
1. The difference between misinformation and disinformation
2. How they're shaping the 2022 midterms and other big topics
3. The efforts that lawmakers (and you)...
Turkish base fake news in Armenia For several days, a video has been circulating on social media claiming that Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan allegedly signed a “secret agreement” with EU ...