Cheyenne Sardarizadeh, a BBC journalist specializing in spotting fake news, and Marc Owen Jones, a Middle East Studies professor, dive into the chaotic world of digital disinformation. They discuss how misleading content about the Israel-Gaza conflict floods social media faster than it can be verified. The duo highlights tactics used by governments to shape narratives and the emotional toll on those battling misinformation. They also stress the urgent need for media literacy to navigate this digital minefield and combat false narratives.
Misinformation about the Gaza war spreads rapidly on social media, undermining journalistic verification efforts.
Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE employ advanced digital technologies to spread propaganda and shape public opinion in the Middle East.
Deep dives
Misinformation and Disinformation in the Gaza War
The podcast episode discusses how the recent Gaza war became a breeding ground for misinformation and disinformation. It highlights the prevalence of user-generated content, particularly videos, shared on social media platforms without proper verification. The episode provides specific examples, such as videos and images from previous conflicts being falsely attributed to the current situation in Gaza. It also touches upon the role of fake accounts, bot networks, and astroturfing in amplifying false narratives. The podcast emphasizes the importance of verifying information and promoting media literacy to combat the spread of misinformation. It concludes by addressing the dangers of information warfare, including the potential polarization and erosion of trust in society.
Israel and Digital Superpowers
The podcast explores how Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates are identified as digital superpowers in the Middle East. These countries possess advanced digital technologies and infrastructure to exert influence both domestically and globally. Israel, in particular, has sophisticated surveillance systems, surveillance software like Pegasus, and techniques such as astroturfing and sock puppet accounts. The episode explains how these digital superpowers utilize social media platforms to disseminate propaganda and misinformation to shape public opinion. It also touches upon examples of Hamas utilizing digital technologies, although to a lesser extent, due to limited resources. The podcast emphasizes the potential dangers of adversarial information, such as promoting tribalism, polarization, and hindering reconciliation.
The Danger of Misinformation and Disinformation
The podcast highlights the risks associated with the proliferation of misinformation and disinformation. It emphasizes that false information, especially when designed to sensationalize and instigate conflict, can fuel polarization and hinder rational discourse. The episode raises concerns about the erosion of trust, communal bonds, and the willingness to engage in critical discussions. It also underscores the need for media literacy and critical thinking skills to combat the weaponization of information. Despite the challenges posed by misinformation, the podcast remains optimistic about the majority of people seeking factual information and the potential for positive impact through debunking false narratives.
False information about what is happening in Israel and Gaza is taking over social media faster than journalists like BBC Verify’s Shayan Sardarizadeh can check it. That’s exactly how digital propagandists want it, says professor and social media expert Marc Owen Jones.
This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn and Avishay Artsy, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Haleema Shah, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King.
