The emergence of social media has revolutionized communication worldwide, facilitating the spread of information, ideas, and thoughts 1. However, the negative impact of social media, including the proliferation of disinformation, propaganda, and censorship, poses significant challenges to geopolitical movements 2 9 14.
Social media platforms enable politicians and individuals to influence public opinion through extensive online reach, while also decreasing censorship levels and increasing news dissemination 5 6. Navigating this complex landscape requires mitigating the risks associated with social media’s detrimental effects on geopolitics and economic growth through the development of artificial intelligence and cognitive computing tools 1 12.
The Rise of Social Media in Geopolitical Movements
Social Media’s Impact on Political Campaigns
Social media has become an indispensable part of modern political campaigning, both in the United States and internationally. Platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, or Reddit have changed how political campaigns are run, how politicians and the public access and share political information, and the way we learn about politics, form opinions and attitudes, and ultimately engage in or disengage from the political process 3. It’s impossible to ignore the impact that social media has on political campaigns 7. Until just a few years ago, entrenched political incumbents had a huge advantage over upstart challengers because they could raise more money and control the airwaves. Now, however, all it takes is an active, passionate social media campaign, and there’s a lot of ground that a challenger can make up on an incumbent 7.
The Role of Social Media in Recent Elections
The best example of social media at work in a modern political campaign is the 2016 U.S. presidential election. You could make the argument that social media was one of the tools that President Donald Trump used to win the election from Hillary Clinton 7. In a base case scenario, he used social media to fire up the base on a daily basis and get people to turn out by the tens of thousands for every single campaign stop or rally 7. Both Trump and Clinton also used demographic and psychographic data from Facebook and other social media platforms to fine-tune their campaign messages 7.
Among all the social media platforms used, Facebook was the key platform that had a significant impact on the triumph that year 5. In their study, Hamid and Rahman (2018) claim that political parties on both sides regularly used messaging technologies in the dissemination of political campaigns. WhatsApp and Facebook are the most widely used and successful messaging services, where individuals receive messages and videos about elections almost every day and share them with their friends and family chat groups 5.
Opportunities and Challenges of Social Media in Politics
Social media provides a platform for politicians to communicate with the public 8. It allows people to share their opinions on current events and politics 8. Politicians can use social media to gather data about the public’s views on specific issues 8. Social media spreads propaganda and misinformation 8. It is a powerful tool for getting out the vote 8. Social media tracks voter sentiment during elections 8. It helps politicians build relationships with voters 8.
The power of social networking sites (SNS) suggests the power it has on the masses, in which a study of post-GE14 in Malaysia suggested that politicians were keen to use SNS to gain support among young voters 5. Hence, showing the relevance of using SNS to market their political party or candidates or in some other way to promote propaganda for their political benefits 5.
Compared to virtual campaigns, there is a greater risk when voters are susceptible to manipulation through false or even slanderous information 5. When information on social media contains purely speculative elements, its veracity is frequently questioned 5. As information and communication technology rapidly changes, so do the political marketing strategies and its tools 5.
Social media has given politicians a new way to communicate with the public 8. It allows people to share their opinions on politics more efficiently than ever before 8. Social media tracks public opinion on political issues 8. Politicians can use social media to get their message out to a broader audience 8. It can help build relationships between politicians and the public 8.
However, easy access to social media has led to a rise in fake news and propaganda 8. Social media spreads rumors and innuendo, often leading to public outcry 8. Politicians have been caught using social media for personal gain instead of for the betterment of their constituents 8. Social media operates as a tool for surveillance and tracking 8.
The Spread of Disinformation and Propaganda
The Proliferation of Fake News and Misinformation
The rise of social media has facilitated the rapid spread of fake news and misinformation, posing significant challenges to society. Fake news, which often lacks factual basis, can easily circulate on social media platforms, influencing public opinion on crucial issues. 9 This phenomenon is exacerbated by algorithms that prioritize content with high engagement, allowing fake news to gain traction and reach a wider audience. 2
State-Sponsored Disinformation Campaigns
Foreign state actors leverage social media to disseminate disinformation and advance their agendas. 2 These state-sponsored disinformation campaigns often exploit algorithms to propagate false narratives that undermine adversaries. Such campaigns can sow discord and manipulate public opinion, undermining trust in institutions and eroding the fabric of society. 2
The Influence of Non-State Actors
Non-state actors, including activists and fringe groups, can exploit social media platforms to spread disinformation and influence public opinion. 2 These actors often employ tactics like creating fake identities and leveraging algorithms to amplify their narratives, potentially influencing public discourse and undermining trust in institutions. 2
The proliferation of fake news and misinformation on social media poses significant challenges to society. Algorithms that prioritize high engagement content facilitate the spread of false narratives, while non-state actors exploit these algorithms to amplify their narratives and influence public opinion. Addressing this phenomenon requires a multi-faceted approach that combines algorithm transparency, fact-checking, and media literacy to combat the spread of misinformation on social media platforms. 2
Navigating the Geopolitical Landscape of Social Media
Combating Misinformation and Protecting Democracy
The spread of misinformation and propaganda on social media poses a significant challenge to the integrity of democratic processes. False information can skew public sentiment, erode political dialogue, and contribute to the polarization of society. 17 To address this issue, it is crucial to develop strategies to identify and counteract the spread of disinformation. This may include promoting media literacy, fact-checking initiatives, and regulating false information. 17
Social media companies are increasingly being called upon to take greater ownership of the content on their platforms and implement concrete measures to combat misinformation. 17 However, efforts to address misinformation must be balanced with the protection of legitimate free speech and human rights. 16
The Changing Dynamics of International Relations
Social media has transformed the dynamics of international relations, providing new avenues for actors to influence global politics. 19 Authoritarian regimes exploit these platforms to control information, suppress dissent, and propagate their agendas. 17 Conversely, social media enables diverse groups and individuals to unite across borders and advocate for specific issues, potentially challenging the existing world order. 18
Politicians and governments increasingly leverage social media to engage with constituents, influence public opinion, and campaign. 19 While this direct communication channel can enhance political participation, it also facilitates the spread of fake news and the manipulation of political discourse, potentially swaying elections and decisions based on misleading information. 19 17
The Role of Tech Companies and Regulation
Tech companies, particularly social media platforms, have become integral players in the geopolitical landscape. 20 Their services and platforms serve as new theaters of conflict in cyberspace, facilitating information operations and cyber warfare. 20 In some cases, these companies themselves become the targets of conflict, as evidenced by the bans on Huawei’s 5G and TikTok. 20
As the political power of tech giants is increasingly recognized, traditional actors in international affairs are appointing “tech ambassadors” to engage with these companies. 20 Furthermore, tech companies are emerging as actors in global security, co-producing security initiatives alongside public authorities and launching their own initiatives like Microsoft’s Digital Geneva Convention and the Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism (GIFCT). 20
Regulating the role of tech companies in the geopolitical landscape is a complex challenge that requires balancing the need for content moderation and security with the preservation of freedom of expression. 19 International cooperation and the sharing of best practices are crucial in developing effective strategies to mitigate the risks posed by social media to global security and democracy. 19
Conclusion
The impact of social media on geopolitical movements is a complex and multifaceted issue. While these platforms have democratized the flow of information and fostered global connectivity, they have also become potent tools for the spread of disinformation, propaganda, and censorship. These negative consequences pose significant challenges to the integrity of democratic processes, the dynamics of international relations, and the geopolitical landscape as a whole.
To navigate this complex terrain, a multi-stakeholder approach is crucial. Governments, tech companies, and civil society must collaborate to develop strategies that mitigate the risks associated with social media’s detrimental effects. This may involve promoting media literacy, implementing content moderation measures, and fostering international cooperation to share best practices. Ultimately, by addressing these challenges head-on, we can harness the potential of social media while safeguarding the principles of democracy, freedom of expression, and global security.