Fake news: the effects of social media disinformation on domestic terrorism

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Abstract

This study tests whether social media disinformation contributes to domestic terrorism within countries. I theorize that disinformation disseminated by political actors online through social media heightens political polarization within countries and that this, in turn, produces an environment where domestic terrorism is more likely to occur. I test this theory using data from more than 150 countries for the period 2000–2017. I find that propagation of disinformation through social media drives domestic terrorism. Using mediation tests I also verify that disinformation disseminated through social media increases domestic terrorism by, among other processes, enhancing political polarization within society.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)55-77
Number of pages23
JournalDynamics of Asymmetric Conflict: Pathways toward Terrorism and Genocide
Volume15
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2022

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Social Psychology
  • Cultural Studies
  • Sociology and Political Science
  • Political Science and International Relations
  • Law

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