WP4 - Challenge of Digitalisation and Misinformation

Lead

UvA

Partners

HAW, GLOBSEC, UB

Associated Partners

Clingendael

Dr. Christian Noack

Professor for East European Studies - UvA

Which factors of the cultural and linguist environment have influence on social media users' receptiveness to Russian disinformation?

How can media literacy programs enhance transcultural sensibility towards the perception of disinformation narratives?

Objectives

This Work package analyses the perception of Russian (dis)information distributed via Russian media outlets (RT and Sputnik) and social media postings across East and Western Europe (Germany, Poland, Slovakia).

We analyse the perception of messages in the languages of the titular nations (German, Polish, Slovak) and compare them to that among Russian speakers. In terms of methodology, we base ourselves on framing, uncovering both the conscious use certain vocabulary, imagery and metaphors for describing political events or dynamics and their salience for the frequently subconscious perception of such frames in different socio-political, cultural and linguistic settings in Europe.

The perception analysis is contextualised (1) through the analysis of framing and distribution strategies, and (2) historically,by comparing the effect before and after the ban of the Russian platforms in the EU. Our working hypothesis is that this muting will simply change the channels of distribution, therefore we focus on the communication process and on the ‘receiving end’, as Russia will continue to use disinformation aiming to fuel the tensions between ‘illiberal’ and ‘liberal’ constituencies within the EU.

Specific goals:

Collaborate between a historian of East European History, a specialist in Communication Studies, and digital disinformation practitioners from transnational think tanks like GLOBSEC and East StratCom TaskForce.
Build on existing databases monitoring activities of Russian media outlets (RT, Sputnik) to supplement research by national and EU bodies, such as East StratCom TaskForce and the European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO).
Mine additional data from social media platforms like Facebook, Telegram, and Twitter to study the spread of disinformation related to the Ukraine war.
Extend research to analyze the textual (‘special operation,’ ‘demilitarization,’ ‘de-Nazification’) and visual (self-representations like the ‘Z’ symbol) narratives of Russian disinformation in the Ukraine conflict.
Examine framing dynamics in both semi-private (Telegram groups, Facebook groups) and openly public (Facebook pages, Telegram channels, Tweets) discourse related to the war.
Work with media analysts to assess how disinformation framing reinforces stereotypes and obstructs meaningful transcultural dialogue.
Produce recommendations for countering disinformation, including journalism education programs on Eastern Europe, in collaboration with German media foundation ZEIT Stiftung, focusing on the perception of Russian disinformation strategies in Poland, Slovakia, and Germany.

What we are working on

Research

This task focuses on analyzing disinformation campaigns by Russian media outlets like RT and Sputnik, as well as social media platforms such as Facebook, Telegram, and Twitter. The research will examine how disinformation is framed in both public and semi-private discourses, and how these framing strategies influence mutual stereotypes and hinder transcultural dialogue.

Experience

This task involves applying the research findings to real-world scenarios, particularly by engaging with media analysts and practitioners. It focuses on understanding the effects of disinformation on different cultural contexts and how it impacts public perception across countries like Poland, Slovakia, and Germany.

Feed results in teaching programmes

This task aims to integrate the research findings into journalism education programs. It involves developing curriculum content for media literacy, focusing on disinformation strategies and their impact on Eastern Europe, in collaboration with institutions like the ZEIT Stiftung.

Recommendation

This task will produce recommendations based on the research, targeting policymakers and media professionals. The recommendations will provide strategies for combating disinformation and improving media literacy, with input from partners such as East StratCom, Clingendael, and the ZEIT Stiftung.

Events

Field Trip to Bratislava