Weaponising Social Media for Information Divide and Warfare

Abstract

Social media is often used to disseminate information during crises, including wars, natural disasters and pandemics. This paper discusses the challenges faced during crisis situations, which social media can both contribute to and ameliorate. We discuss the role that information polarisation plays in exacerbating problems. We then discuss how certain mal-actors exploit these divides. We conclude by detailing future avenues of work that can help mitigate these issues.