How disinformation spreads and sticks 7/9
- It’s amplified by bots, trolls, and algorithms
On social media platforms, disinformation is often pushed by bots (automated accounts) and trolls (real users who intentionally spread harmful content). These actors post false or misleading content at high speed and volume. Social media algorithms are designed to prioritise content that sparks strong reactions—often negative ones—so emotionally charged disinformation is more likely to be seen and shared. This creates a cycle in which false information spreads rapidly from user to user, especially when shared by accounts with many followers.