How misinformation in the aftermath of terror attacks has been used to influence public reactions by the UK far-right.
Lead Research Organisation:
CARDIFF UNIVERSITY
Department Name: Sch of Social Sciences
Abstract
This study will explore the tactics and techniques used by far-right groups to communicate misinformation on social media in the aftermath of terror attacks that shapes public perceptions and political agendas. Using a comparative case study design, and concepts attending to processes of social reaction, the research will engage with the following key questions:
- How have far-right groups exploited misinformation following terror attacks to influence public behaviour and understanding, both online and offline?
- Why have these groups constructed and communicated different types of messages following such events, and who have been their target audiences?
- What implications do these findings have for understanding terror events, processes of social reaction and the contemporary media ecosystem?
The research will make a distinctive contribution to understanding social reactions to terrorism, social media's role in crisis communications and the influence of rumours, propaganda and conspiracy theories in public sense-making. Specifically, whilst previous research has examined disinformation (deliberately misleading) communicated by hostile state actors following terrorism (Innes, 2020), by focusing specifically on misinformation (unintentionally misleading) and how far-right adherents exploit this, the research will address a particular gap in social scientific knowledge.
- How have far-right groups exploited misinformation following terror attacks to influence public behaviour and understanding, both online and offline?
- Why have these groups constructed and communicated different types of messages following such events, and who have been their target audiences?
- What implications do these findings have for understanding terror events, processes of social reaction and the contemporary media ecosystem?
The research will make a distinctive contribution to understanding social reactions to terrorism, social media's role in crisis communications and the influence of rumours, propaganda and conspiracy theories in public sense-making. Specifically, whilst previous research has examined disinformation (deliberately misleading) communicated by hostile state actors following terrorism (Innes, 2020), by focusing specifically on misinformation (unintentionally misleading) and how far-right adherents exploit this, the research will address a particular gap in social scientific knowledge.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
Martin Innes (Primary Supervisor) | |
Samuel Williams (Student) |
Studentship Projects
Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
ES/P00069X/1 | 01/10/2017 | 30/09/2027 | |||
2597137 | Studentship | ES/P00069X/1 | 01/10/2021 | 30/09/2025 | Samuel Williams |