Key concepts 4/4

A mechanism behind disinformation campaigns are fake accounts—automated bots or impersonators posing as real users to spread particular narratives or amplify division. These accounts:

• Pretend to be trustworthy sources.
• Engage in coordinated behaviour to sway public discourse.
• Create the illusion of popular support or opposition.

Developing digital literacy is a vital defence against manipulation, helping individuals detect red flags, verify facts, and avoid contributing to the spread of falsehoods.

For more information attend the module Fact checking and verification.