Social Media Bots, Disinformation, Human, Deception

How Social Media bots Shape Public Opinion

by Blog

The digital realm, once hailed as a democratising force, has become a battleground. It’s not just a space for sharing cat videos and connecting with old friends; it’s where opinions are shaped, narratives are constructed, and, increasingly, reality itself is distorted. A significant and shadowy player in this arena? Social media bots. These automated entities are no longer just a nuisance; they’re a clear and present danger to informed public discourse and, ultimately, to the functioning of democratic societies.

The Unseen Army: Bots Among Us

Social media bots are essentially software programs designed to mimic human users on platforms like Twitter (now X), Facebook, and Reddit. They can post content, like and share posts, follow accounts, and even engage in seemingly “real” conversations. Initially, some bots had legitimate purposes, like providing automated customer service or sharing news updates. However, the landscape has shifted dramatically.

A disturbing study from the University of Notre Dame highlights a chilling reality: in a controlled experiment on the social network Mastodon, participants misidentified AI bots as human users a staggering 58% of the time. This isn’t just a minor inconvenience. When people can’t distinguish between genuine human interaction and algorithmic manipulation, the very foundation of trust in online information erodes. We’re left questioning what’s real, what’s manufactured, and who (or what) is pulling the strings. The study used different LLM-based Al models, such as GPT-4 from OpenAl, Llama-2-Chat from Meta and Claude 2 from Anthropic.

The scale of the bot problem is also deeply concerning. Research published in Nature estimates that bots generated a whopping 10-40% of tweets during major political events like the 2016 US Presidential Election and the Brexit referendum. These aren’t isolated incidents; they represent a sustained, coordinated effort to infiltrate and manipulate public discourse. During Poroshenko’s first three years as President (June 2014 – May 2017), more than 79,000** unique Facebook users wrote at least one comment on his official page, and bots made one out of every six comments. (voxukraine.org).

Manufacturing Consent: How Bots Sway Public Opinion

Bots don’t operate in a vacuum. Their power lies in their ability to amplify certain messages, create the illusion of consensus, and, ultimately, shape public opinion. There are several key mechanisms at play:

  • Agenda Setting: Social media bots can flood social media with posts on specific topics, creating a false sense of urgency or importance. This technique, known as “astroturfing,” makes it seem like there’s widespread organic support for a particular viewpoint, even if it’s a manufactured narrative.
  • Disinformation and Misinformation: Bots are incredibly effective at spreading false or misleading information. With the rise of generative AI, they can craft seemingly authentic content, complete with humor, memes, and even sarcasm, making it even harder to detect.
  • Polarization and Division: Bots often exploit existing social and political divisions, amplifying extreme viewpoints and fostering mistrust. By targeting specific demographics with tailored messages, they can exacerbate tensions and undermine social cohesion.
  • Echo Chambers: Bots can create and reinforce echo chambers, where users are primarily exposed to information that confirms their existing beliefs. This makes it harder for people to engage in constructive dialogue and consider alternative perspectives.

The Strategic Implications: A Threat to Democracy

The implications of widespread bot manipulation extend far beyond the digital sphere. It’s not just about influencing online conversations; it’s about impacting real-world outcomes.

  • Electoral Interference: Bots can be deployed to spread disinformation about candidates, manipulate voter sentiment, and even suppress turnout. The integrity of democratic processes is directly threatened by these activities.
  • Erosion of Trust: When people lose faith in the information they encounter online, it erodes trust in institutions, media, and even each other. This creates a climate of cynicism and makes it harder to address critical societal challenges.
  • Social Instability: Bots can be used to incite violence, spread propaganda, and exacerbate social unrest. They can be weaponized to undermine social cohesion and destabilise entire societies.
  • Undermining of Public Discourse: By flooding platforms with automated content, bots can drown out authentic human voices and make it harder for genuine opinions to be heard.

This is where companies like Analysi, with its cutting-edge AI-powered analysis capabilities, represent a crucial line of defence in the escalating war against disinformation. These platforms offer the ability to dissect and counter manipulative campaigns in real-time, going beyond simple detection to actively identify emerging trends, monitor public sentiment, and expose the increasingly sophisticated deepfakes used to distort reality. The deployment of such technology, while critical, isn’t enough; we also require a societal shift: cultivating a culture where truth is prized over sensationalism, fostering civil discourse, encouraging critical thinking, and collectively demanding that facts matter. All these efforts go hand in hand in the fight against falsehoods led by social media bots.

The rise of social media bots represents a significant threat to informed public discourse and democratic societies. It’s a complex problem with no easy solutions, but it’s one we must confront head-on. The future of our ability to engage in meaningful dialogue and make informed decisions depends on it.

Fake News, Disinformation

The 46 Percent Problem: Addressing Political Fake News in India

by Blog

A recent study has laid bare a stark reality: nearly half of all fake news circulating within India pertains to politics. This isn’t just a statistic; it’s a blaring alarm bell. A political misinformation isn’t merely a problem; it’s a systemic threat to the very foundation of India’s democratic processes. dwarfing other categories. This dominance of political misinformation is a severe problem, that has gone under the radar.

Why Politics? Unpacking the Motives

The motivations behind this deluge of political fake news are multifaceted, yet they converge on a single, chilling point: manipulation. Political entities, and their proxies, have weaponised misinformation to sway public opinion, discredit opponents, and ultimately, to seize or retain power. The East Asia Forum article highlights how major political parties in India are actively engaged in managing vast social media networks, including millions of WhatsApp groups, for disseminating their messages. The sheer scale is breathtaking, but it also serves a precise objective.

It’s about crafting narratives, not necessarily rooted in truth, but designed to resonate with specific demographics. Whether it’s through AI-generated memes discrediting opposition parties, as seen on Instagram, or the spread of manipulated videos and deepfakes, the end goal is to control the narrative, regardless of its veracity.

Elections Under Siege: A Skewed Playing Field

The impact of this politically charged misinformation on elections is profound and deeply concerning. The Times of India survey reveals that a staggering 80% of first-time voters have encountered fake news on social media. Consider the implications: a significant portion of the electorate, particularly young voters, is forming their political opinions based on information that is often deliberately false or misleading.

When 37.1% of respondents admit to being directly impacted by fake news, as indicated in the same survey, it raises fundamental questions about the electorate’s ability to make informed choices. This isn’t just about influencing individual votes; it’s about undermining the very legitimacy of the electoral process. WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook, as per the Times of India study, have emerged as the primary conduits for disseminating this fake news, making them, wittingly or unwittingly, key players in this distortion of democracy.

The Erosion of Trust: A Society Adrift

Beyond elections, the pervasive nature of political fake news erodes public trust in institutions. When citizens are constantly bombarded with conflicting narratives, many of which are demonstrably false, it becomes increasingly difficult to discern truth from fiction. This creates a climate of cynicism and distrust, not only towards political entities but also towards the media, and even towards the very concept of objective truth.

The TRT World article underscores the growing concern about AI-generated content and its potential to shape election outcomes. The report highlights that misinformation and disinformation have become a top risk, potentially increasing as elections take place. This isn’t just about isolated incidents; it’s about a sustained assault on the public’s ability to engage in informed, rational discourse, the very bedrock of a functioning democracy.

Strategies for a Counter-Offensive: A Multi-Pronged Approach

Combating this problem requires a multi-pronged strategy, encompassing technological solutions, media literacy, and a fundamental shift in the political culture. Here are some approaches:

  1. The social media platform should not have the power to regulate itself and let fake propaganda float among it’s users to the degree that they can influence an entire election.
  2. People should try to consume and share content that has more often than not come from multiple sources to ensure that their perspective of a story, event is not one-sided.

While these steps are crucial, they are not a panacea. The ultimate solution lies in fostering a political culture that values truth, transparency, and accountability. It’s about creating an environment where misinformation is not only detected and countered but also rejected by a discerning and informed public. 

The Indian government has, to its credit, acknowledged the problem. The Election Commission of India, for instance, has warned political parties against misusing AI-based tools, as reported in multiple sources. Minister of State for Electronics and IT, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, has spoken about the dangers of deepfakes, as cited by TRT World.

However, these acknowledgments and pronouncements haven’t translated into sufficiently robust action. Here’s where the efforts fall short:

  • Lack of Specific Legislation: While existing laws like the Information Technology Act address some aspects of online content, they are not adequately equipped to deal with the nuances of AI-generated misinformation and the sophisticated tactics employed by malicious actors. There’s a pressing need for specific legislation targeting deepfakes and other forms of synthetic media, with clear definitions and penalties.
  • Enforcement Gaps: Even when guidelines exist, enforcement is often weak and inconsistent. The Election Commission’s warnings, for example, have limited impact without the power to impose significant sanctions on violators.
  • Accusations of Partisanship: There have been concerns, as reported in various media outlets, that government efforts to combat misinformation are sometimes selectively applied.

Companies like Analysi, with its cutting-edge AI-powered analysis capabilities, represent a crucial line of defence in the escalating war against disinformation. These platforms offer the ability to dissect and counter manipulative campaigns in real-time, going beyond simple detection to actively identify emerging trends, monitor public sentiment, and expose the increasingly sophisticated deepfakes used to distort reality. The deployment of such technology, while critical, isn’t enough; we also require a societal shift: cultivating a culture where truth is prized over sensationalism, fostering civil discourse, encouraging critical thinking, and collectively demanding that facts matter. All these efforts go hand in hand in the fight against falsehoods.

The evolution of misinformation indicates that the challenge is only growing. It is crucial to recognize that this isn’t a battle that can be won overnight. It requires sustained effort, unwavering commitment, and a collective recognition that the integrity of India’s democracy is at stake.

Disinformation, Truth, Maha Kumbh, Analysi

Maha Kumbh: Under The Shadow of Disinformation

by with No Comment Blog

The World Economic Forum’s 2025 Global Risks Report highlights misinformation and disinformation as significant threats to global stability, a warning that feels particularly relevant in light of recent events. The spread of fabricated narratives, often deliberately seeded and amplified, is creating distrust, deepening social divisions, and undermining informed public discussion. This is not an abstract issue, as demonstrated by the challenges faced at the Maha Kumbh. This sacred gathering, traditionally a symbol of spiritual unity and cultural heritage, has experienced the negative impacts of disinformation, making it essential that we address this problem with focused attention. These are not simply minor disagreements over facts; they have far-reaching effects, impacting public safety, influencing perceptions, and presenting a real threat to our collective well-being.

Maha Kumbh: A Case Study in Disinformation’s Reach

The Maha Kumbh, with its large and diverse crowds, offers fertile ground for the spread of disinformation. The event’s scale and complexity create opportunities for manipulation. Recent incidents show how easily malicious actors can distort reality, causing fear and division. One notable case involved the YouTube channel “The News Tracker” (TNT), which created a sensational, and false, story about a minor girl and a Sadhu. TNT claimed the Sadhu had drugged the girl and attempted to misbehave with her. The subsequent public anger, fueled by these false claims, illustrates the ease with which public perception can be manipulated. A police investigation clarified the truth, showing the girl traveled to the Kumbh without her parents’ knowledge, and the Sadhu had no intent to harm her.

The negative consequences extended beyond the initial incident. The viral spread of the video and related misinformation, further amplified by individuals like advocate Nazneen Akhtar and engineer Suraj S Kumar, who shared clips from TNT’s video on X, demonstrates how disinformation can quickly grow. Their actions created distrust, damaging the reputation of the Kumbh and its devotees. These weren’t simple errors, but deliberate efforts to shape a false narrative, and undermine faith in traditions and institutions. The narrative used emotional language, portraying the event as a moral violation, further escalating the sense of outrage, which highlights a dangerous method of manipulation that poses a risk to any open and diverse community.

The Broad Impact of Fabricated Information

The impact of this disinformation extends beyond the immediate reactions. Another incident involved a youth in Ballia who falsely claimed eleven devotees had died due to the cold and overcrowding at the Maha Kumbh, which provides another example of the harmful ripple effects. This wasn’t an isolated event, but a deliberate action designed to spread fear and unrest. This false claim, spread through social media, created public worry, disrupted peace, and damaged the Kumbh’s reputation. The Deccan Herald reports the individual had links to a certain political party, implying political motivations were behind the disinformation. These claims were not just troublesome but actively harmful, causing needless alarm and potentially deterring people from attending the event.

These instances demonstrate a troubling strategy of using human emotions to distort reality and create chaos. Such calculated attempts to manipulate public opinion, for political or other harmful reasons, threaten the integrity of our society. The use of social media, along with the quick spread of false content, highlights the vulnerabilities of our information systems.

Addressing Disinformation: A Multi-Pronged Strategy

Combating disinformation requires a multi-faceted approach. We need to empower individuals with the skills to critically assess information. Media literacy education should be a core part of learning at all levels to help people tell the difference between fact and fiction. Social media must be addressed as well, because its current state allows misinformation to spread unchecked. These platforms need to act more responsibly, putting in place mechanisms for identifying and removing disinformation.

However, technology alone is not the solution. We need to discuss the human factors involved. We need a legal framework that reflects the modern technological age, holding those who deliberately spread misinformation accountable. The intentional spread of disinformation is a serious issue, not simply ‘harmless fun’ and should be treated accordingly. We must also encourage the pursuit of truth, promote critical thinking, and value factual information in society.

Companies like Analysi, with their AI-powered capabilities, offer an important way to fight disinformation. Their platforms can analyse and counter manipulative campaigns in real-time, identifying new trends, monitoring public feelings, and exposing deepfakes. While this technology is crucial, it must be paired with societal changes: promoting a culture that values truth, encourages discussion, and promotes the use of critical thinking, because all of these efforts are needed to fight falsehoods.

The incidents at the Maha Kumbh serve as a reminder of the harmful nature of disinformation and the real-world consequences that follow. This is not an issue that can be ignored. If we allow ourselves to be misled by these false narratives, we give up our ability to reason and empathize. The fight against disinformation is a battle for our collective future, and we need to face it on all fronts. The importance of this challenge cannot be overstated.

Digital literacy, India

The Toxic Brew: How Fake News Exploits India’s poor Digital Literacy

by Blog

The pervasive spread of fake news and misinformation in India is a growing problem with far-reaching consequences, affecting elections, public health, and even inciting violence. While the reasons for this phenomenon are complex and multifaceted, a significant contributing factor is the lack of digital literacy and digital hygiene among a large segment of the population.

Digital literacy refers to the ability to critically evaluate and engage with information found online. It encompasses understanding how information is created, shared, and consumed, and the capacity to identify reliable sources from dubious ones. In a country like India, where access to the internet is widespread but digital literacy is often lacking, this creates a fertile ground for the propagation of misinformation.

The country’s public cloud services market is expected to grow to $17.8 billion by 2027, exhibiting a formidable CAGR of 23.4% for the period spanning 2022-2027 (IDC). This rapid growth highlights the increasing reliance on technology and the need for robust measures to protect against the spread of misinformation.

With approximately 25.5 million Twitter users in India as of 2024 and half a billion WhatsApp users, social media platforms continue to play a significant role in shaping public opinion and disseminating information. False information is one of the major threats people will face with multiple elections scheduled around the globe this year. According to the World Economic Forum’s 2024 Global Risk Report, India was ranked highest for the risk of misinformation and disinformation.

The Digital Divide:

The reliance on social media for news, combined with a lack of critical thinking skills, has made many Indians susceptible to falling prey to misinformation. This is further compounded by the fact that many people lack the skills to discern credible sources from unreliable ones, leading them to unwittingly spread misinformation through forwarding and sharing content without verifying its veracity.

Only 38% of households in India are digitally literate. This digital divide is stark, with digital literacy at 61% in urban areas compared to a mere 25% in rural areas. This disparity highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions to bridge the digital literacy gap and empower all citizens with the skills to navigate the online world safely and responsibly.

A Nation Wired, But Not Yet Wise:

India’s love affair with WhatsApp is undeniable. With over half a billion people using it every month, it’s become more than just a messaging app – it’s a lifeline, a news source, and even a social club. But this deep integration of WhatsApp into Indian life has a downside: the rampant spread of misinformation.

We often joke about “WhatsApp University,” a tongue-in-cheek term for the informal education system where news, opinions, and sometimes outright falsehoods are shared and absorbed without much scrutiny. It’s easy to see how this happens. WhatsApp groups, often filled with like-minded individuals, become echo chambers where information is rarely challenged. Add to that the ease with which photos and videos can be manipulated and shared, and you have a recipe for a misinformation crisis.

This isn’t just about harmless gossip or urban legends. False information spread through WhatsApp has real-world consequences. It can fuel social tensions, erode trust in institutions, and even incite violence. We’ve seen this play out during elections, where political propaganda and targeted misinformation campaigns have been used to sway voters.

The Health Consequences:

The unchecked spread of misinformation on platforms like WhatsApp has a particularly insidious impact on public health in India. It’s not just about harmless rumors; it can have life-or-death consequences. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw this play out in a devastating way.

False information about the virus, its transmission, and potential treatments spread like wildfire through WhatsApp groups. People were bombarded with claims about miracle cures, conspiracy theories about the origins of the virus, and unfounded fears about vaccines. This deluge of misinformation created a climate of confusion and distrust, making it incredibly difficult for health authorities to communicate accurate information and encourage people to adopt preventive measures.

Combating the Spread:

Tackling the rampant spread of misinformation in India is a complex challenge that demands a multi-faceted approach. It’s not enough to simply debunk false claims; we need to address the root causes and empower individuals to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.

Empowering Indians to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly requires a nationwide push for digital literacy and critical thinking. We need every citizen, from young students to older generations, to possess the skills to distinguish fact from fiction online. This vision can be realized by weaving media literacy into school curriculums, launching impactful public awareness campaigns that reach every corner of the country, and providing accessible training programs for communities across all demographics.

These initiatives should go beyond simply teaching people how to spot fake news. They need to delve into the mechanics of online information sharing, exploring how algorithms work, understanding the motivations behind misinformation campaigns, and recognizing the subtle ways in which bias can creep into even seemingly credible sources.

Empowering individuals to become discerning consumers of information is essential, but it’s only part of the solution. We also need to make accurate and reliable information more accessible. This means supporting independent journalism, promoting fact-checking initiatives, and encouraging the development of trustworthy online platforms that prioritize accuracy and transparency.

Finally, we must acknowledge the deep-seated societal and cultural factors that contribute to the spread of misinformation. Addressing issues like social polarization, mistrust in institutions, and the exploitation of existing prejudices is crucial to creating a more resilient society that is less susceptible to manipulation. This requires a long-term commitment to fostering dialogue, promoting inclusivity, and building bridges across divides.

Analysi’s Role:

Analysi recognizes this and offers comprehensive training programs that equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to protect themselves from online threats, including fake news and disinformation. Our training covers best practices for navigating the digital world safely and responsibly, identifying and avoiding phishing scams, recognizing suspicious content, and managing online privacy. We emphasize the importance of verifying information, critically evaluating sources, and understanding the potential impact of sharing content online. By integrating digital hygiene into our programs, we help individuals build a more secure and informed online experience, empowering them to become active and responsible digital citizens.

Ultimately, addressing the problem of misinformation in India requires a sustained and concerted effort from individuals, educators, policymakers, and technology platforms. Only by promoting digital literacy and digital hygiene, fostering critical thinking, and creating a more informed and engaged public can we hope to build a more resilient and informed society in India.

Analysi, Misinformation

Misinformation In The Indian Context: The Social Media Age

by Blog

Imagine a billion minds, each a potential target for a digital wildfire. That’s the reality of India’s social media landscape, where misinformation spreads faster than chai at a monsoon wedding. Fake news, hate speech, and deepfakes – oh my! They’re not just attention-grabbers, they’re threats to democracy, social harmony, and maybe even your sanity.

Fake news, hate speech, misinformation, and deepfakes threaten to erode trust, stoke social tensions, and manipulate public opinion. Therefore, understanding the unique Indian context and developing effective mitigation strategies are crucial to safeguarding the nation’s digital landscape. And that’s why we are here today.

The Many Faces of Misinformation:

India’s diverse linguistic landscape and socio-economic disparities create a breeding ground for tailored misinformation. WhatsApp forwards, often laced with emotional appeals and religious undertones, spread like wildfire, bypassing traditional media gatekeepers. Deepfakes, manipulating videos and audio to make it seem like someone said or did something they didn’t, add a dangerous layer of believability. These tactics target everything from elections and healthcare to inter-community relations, with potentially devastating consequences.

Social Media’s Amplification Machine:

The Culprits:

  • WhatsApp rogues: Remember that forwarded message from your uncle about the miracle cure for everything? Yeah, him. WhatsApp forwards, often laced with emotional manipulation and religious undertones, spread like wildfire, bypassing pesky fact-checkers.
  • Deepfake demons: These nightmarish creations use AI to make it seem like anyone said or did anything. Imagine your favorite politician morphing into a Bollywood villain – that’s the power (and danger) of deepfakes.
  • Social media sirens: Designed to be addictive, these platforms amplify misinformation through algorithms that favor sensational content. It’s like an echo chamber for your biases, making it even harder to spot the truth.

The Battleplan:

  • Fact-check frenzy: Fact-checking organizations are our digital firefighters, debunking falsehoods before they spread. But they need help. Share their work, be their foot soldiers in the war on misinformation.
  • Empower the netizens: We need to be digital detectives, not sheep blindly following online herds. Media literacy is our shield – learn to spot fake news, question sources, and don’t be a share-happy parrot!
  • Hold the platforms accountable: Let’s make social media giants clean up their act. Demand stricter content moderation, fact-checking partnerships, and transparency around algorithms. It’s our digital space, we deserve better!

The Govt stepping in

India is taking steps to combat misinformation, but the challenges are immense. The Information Technology Act (2000) attempts to regulate online content, but its effectiveness is debated. Fact-checking organizations are doing commendable work, but their reach is limited. Media literacy initiatives are crucial to equip citizens with critical thinking skills to discern truth from fiction.

But such is the scale of data on Social media that it cannot be monitored for misinformation by the govt alone. There are at least 470.1 million active social media users in India, who on an average post once or twice. Taking in a conservative view, that’s at least 900 million posts across social media channels everyday.

This is where we come in

At Analysi, when you partner up with us, we provide constant monitoring of data tailored specific to you. We keep an eye on the developing narratives on social media, monitor specific accounts known for their belligerence in spreading misinformation. Provide you with detailed analytics on misinformation that is being spread, who’s spreading it, and from where. With all this data in hand, we can help you develop an effective communication strategy to safeguard your specific interests.

But that’s not all; we also help provide digital literacy training for people across the public and private sectors and provide strategic guidance so that you can wade the social media waters with ease.

The Road Ahead:

Remember: This is a collective mission. We, the billion-strong Indian netizens, have the power to rewrite the narrative. Let’s fact-check, empower, and hold platforms accountable. Together, we can turn the tide on misinformation and build a healthier, more informed digital India.