Disinformation as a tool of political influence

Abstract

The study is devoted to a systematic analysis of the phenomenon of disinformation as a modern tool of political influence and manipulation of public opinion in the conditions of digitalization of society. Using a number of methods (system method, analysis and synthesis, comparison, content analysis), the article highlights its main functional characteristics, as well as key mechanisms of dissemination and influence on political stability and information security. It is substantiated that volunteer initiatives, independent media, fact-checking organizations are currently positioned as effective participants in the system of countering disinformation, generators of new ideas, forms of communication and tools for conveying the true context to a wide audience. The study found that disinformation in the modern context combines cognitive features of information perception with the capabilities of modern digital technologies. The article confirms that the phenomenon of disinformation in the modern context of the risks of manipulative political influence actively assimilates the capabilities of digital media and the specifics of the audience's cognitive perception of information. The article substantiates the need to implement modern intelligent systems for monitoring the information space to detect anomalous information disturbances, botnets, generated content texts and deepfake materials in real time. Modern algorithmic solutions allow for the prompt and accurate analysis of semantic, stylistic and behavioral features of content, with subsequent marking or blocking of potentially disinformation messages. Also important are the development of state policy in the field of information security and strategic communications, increasing the level of media literacy of the population, as well as the formation of intersectoral interaction between the state, digital platforms, and civil society.