Chapter 3: Disinformation Is A Direct Threat To Democracy
The rapid rise of disinformation is a grave threat to democracy. By undermining our concept of a shared reality is known as the “constitution of knowledge,” disinformation distorts truth, undermine trust, manipulates public opinion, polarizes society, undermines accountability, and threatens civic engagement — all of which are critical components for the maintenance of democracy and the institutions which uphold a democratic society.
Distorting the Truth
Disinformation spreads false or misleading information deliberately. In doing so, it distorts the truth and blurs the lines between fact and fiction. In a democracy, where informed decision-making is crucial, this distortion erodes the public’s ability to distinguish between reality and falsehoods.
Undermining Trust
Democracy relies on trust — trust in institutions, trust in information sources, and trust in fellow citizens. Disinformation erodes this trust by sowing seeds of doubt and division. When people can’t trust the information they receive, they become cynical about the democratic process itself, leading to apathy or even hostility towards democratic principles.
Manipulating Opinion
Disinformation is often used as a tool to manipulate public opinion. By…
