Security News > 2020 > November > Disinformation campaigns can spread like wildfire on social media

Disinformation, or false information intended to mislead or deceive people, is commonly spread by social media users and bots - automated accounts controlled by software - with the intent to sow division among people, create confusion, and undermine confidence in the news surrounding major current events, such as the 2020 U.S. presidential election, COVID-19 and social justice movements.

"Disinformation campaigns can spread like wildfire on social media and have a long-lasting impact, as people's opinions and actions may be influenced by the false or misleading information being circulated."

According to the online survey of more than 2,000 US adults, 53% of Americans often question whether information they see on social media is disinformation or fact.

Although 82% of Americans are very concerned about the spread of disinformation, 21% still say social media companies do not have the right to remove it from their platform, with Republicans being almost twice as likely as Democrats to feel this way.

Disinformation has taken a toll on relationships, with many Americans having argued with someone, unfriended/unfollowed someone on social media, or taken a break from social media altogether because of disinformation.

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