The Misinformation Effect and Its Hidden Costs

How combatting disinformation can be dangerous itself

17 March 2023

Counteracting the misinformation effect is essential, but more focus should be put on how dangerous this process can be and how it perpetuates the spread of disinformation.

The misinformation effect has never been more powerful than since the illegal Russian invasion of Ukraine. It has shed light on how vital propaganda is in the contemporary world. And with it comes the increased momentum of combatting disinformation – educating others on how to differentiate between misinformation vs disinformation, fake news, deep fakes, trolling and post-truth.

Editor’s Pick:  Why Orbán’s Anti-Ukrainian Propaganda Works

Many states in the CEE region have adopted plans and strategies to combat disinformation. Whether it’s enshrined in policy or part of the national security strategy, states have taken steps to counteract the negative misinformation effect. Still, as states engage in the act of combatting disinformation, this process can be problematic, particularly when these countries have had long duress of democratic backsliding.

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Agnieszka Homańska

Agnieszka Homańska - Visegrad Insight Executive Assistant, a junior researcher at the University of Warsaw, MA student in international relations, graduated from IR BA and linguistics BA cum laude at the University of Warsaw. Holder of Konrad Adenauer Stiftung sur-place stipendium. Co-founder and author in Młodzi o polityce, member of the Polish Forum of Young Diplomats and Club Alpbach Poland. Polyglot and euro enthusiast.

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