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

University of Delaware

- 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

van der Linden, S., & Roozenbeek, J. (2021). Psychological Inoculation Against Fake News. In R. Greifeneder, M. E. Jaffé, E. J. Newman, & N. Schwarz, The Psychology of Fake News: Accepting, Sharing, and Correcting Misinformation. Routledge. https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/9780429295379

Psychological Inoculation Against Fake News

False Amplification

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

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. 

Learn Before

Related