Disinformation & Democracy: Social Media & Elections
The unprecedented weaponizing of social media sites has led to the rise of disinformation campaigns around the globe, distorting and shaping public opinion, and affecting public policy, elections, governments, civil society, and democratic processes. At least 70 countries around the globe have been affected by social media manipulation. The Philippines, for example, has been called “patient zero” when it comes the weaponization of social media during the 2016 elections. Since then, disinformation campaigns have led to the genocide of Rohingya in Myanmar, false information regarding Brexit, and Russian interference in the U.S. elections. The panel discussion aims to: provide the historical context and political analysis of propaganda in the age of social media; discuss how social media is weaponized by disinformation campaigns; examine the role of social media companies and governments in promoting and combatting disinformation; and equip participants with media literacy tools. CSUSM Students: free. Community: optional donation. Faculty/Staff/Alumni: optional donation . All donations will go back into the Arts & Lectures fund to provide for future events.