What are disinformation tactics?

Disinformation tactics involve various methods to manipulate and deceive people by spreading false information. Here are some key tactics discussed by experts on The Jordan Harbinger Show:

1. Weaponizing Emotions: Disinformation campaigns often play on people's emotions to increase the spread and impact of false information. Emotional states like anger, fear, and sadness can diminish critical thinking, making people more likely to believe and share disinformation without verifying facts. This tactic is especially evident during crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, where disinformation thrives due to widespread fear and uncertainty 1.

2. Eroding Trust: Disinformation aims to create a general sense of mistrust among the public. By continually feeding false information, these campaigns disrupt people's ability to discern truth, thereby undermining their trust in reliable sources. This long game strategy gradually poisons the minds of society, making it difficult for individuals to rebuild a framework of knowledge and understanding 2.

3. Propaganda and Misinformation: Differentiating between various forms of false information is crucial. Propaganda aims to persuade people to a particular viewpoint, while misinformation involves spreading inaccurate information without necessarily intending harm. However, disinformation is particularly insidious because it is a calculated effort to destroy the collective ability to establish a reference point for truth, thus obstructing societal learning and growth 2.

Overall, these tactics are utilized not just in social media and online avenues but are pertinent tools in geopolitical strategies and military conflicts as well.