Exploiting Cultural Values and Beliefs: Disinformation often thrives by leveraging existing cultural values, beliefs, and biases. Disinformation campaigns can exploit identity-based hierarchies to create division and mistrust within communities. For instance, disinformation narratives often build upon and amplify pre-existing ideologies, such as white supremacy or xenophobia.
Resonance with Pre-Existing Beliefs: People are more likely to believe and share disinformation if it aligns with their existing beliefs and biases. Social media algorithms can exacerbate this by creating "echo chambers" where individuals are primarily exposed to information that confirms their existing viewpoints.
Erosion of Trust: Disinformation can erode public trust in institutions, including the media, government, and scientific community. This can be particularly harmful during times of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, where the spread of medical misinformation and conspiracies has been a significant challenge.
Cultural Factors in Dissemination: Cultural factors also influence why and how people share disinformation. Research in some cultures indicates that people may share misinformation out of a sense of civic duty, to make others aware of it, or even for entertainment purposes. Understanding these cultural nuances is essential for developing effective strategies to counter disinformation.
In summary, disinformation is not a new phenomenon but rather a historically and culturally embedded practice that has evolved alongside technological advancements and media landscapes. It thrives by exploiting cultural values, beliefs, and biases, and its proliferation, particularly in the digital age, poses a significant threat to democratic processes, public health, and social cohesion. Addressing disinformation requires a multifaceted approach that takes into account its historical roots, cultural context, and the mechanisms by which it spreads.
-pulled from AI when questioned about disinformation when used in a cultural context - disinfolklore - is not in common use on the internet
