One example of doubting a consensus to spread disinformation relates to climate change. Articles are published claiming that there is no scientific consensus that humans are the cause of climate change, when 97% of scientists agree that humans are.

Doubtful Consensus Messaging and Climate Change

One strategy for spreading disinformation is sowing doubt that a consensus exists on a topic. 

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

- Impersonation: Posing as a real person/organization or claiming to be a reputable organization without any credentials. 
- Emotional Content
- Polarization: Using tactics like false amplification to push people to either side of the spectrum.
- Conspiracy
- Discrediting opponents
- Trolling: The act of attempting to elicit a response by baiting.
- Doubtful consensus messaging


Disinformation Strategies

Maertens, R., Anseel, F., & van der Linden, S. (2020). Combatting climate change misinformation: Evidence for longevity of inoculation and consensus messaging effects. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 70, 101455. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2020.101455

Combatting climate change misinformation: Evidence for longevity of inoculation and consensus messaging effects

Falsely overstating the prevalence of an issue by emphasizing related instances.

False Amplification

Doubtful Consensus Messaging to Spread Disinformation

A belief that (powerful) others are engaging in conspiratorial behavior (e.g. controlling less powerful others) or attempting to cover up the truth. 

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