In the era of technology, where the flow of information is faster than ever, it comes with threats like political misinformation. The excessive information shared by any person on social media without fact-checking, deliberately or involuntarily, and consumed by millions of people, is making room for political misinformation to foster. From deepfake videos to the use of AI in political campaigns, humiliating and disgracing other political parties, and shaping public opinion can be seen everywhere. Like all of the world, Pakistan is also trapped in the black hole of political misinformation.
Pakistan Through the Lens of Digital Disinformation
Elections Under Threat
The other disastrous threat of digital misinformation is its influence on elections. With the use of social media platforms like X, Facebook, and YouTube, it has become more feasible to mud-slinging (negative campaign featuring personal attacks) and voter suppression. Along with this, the use of generative AI also assists in launching false campaigns to disturb the electoral processes.
Social Media as the Accelerator of Digital Propaganda
Propaganda has always been a prominent feature of domestic and international politics. But in the modern world, this has changed in the form of digital propaganda, which spreads much faster than traditional forms, and one of its main drivers is social media, including daily user platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube, and TikTok.
Response to the Disinformation
Call to Action
References https://www.mediasupport.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Countering-Disinformation-in-Pakistan-2023.pdf https://gprjournal.com/jadmin/Auther/31rvIolA2LALJouq9hkR/diitGEnG9I.pdf https://issuu.com/theparliamentarian/docs/parl2024iss1finalonlinesingle/s/44994996 https://upgradedemocracy.de/en/the-credibility-of-pakistans-national-elections-is-under-siege/ https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2024/11/01/the-role-of-social-media-in-shaping-public-opinion-in-pakistan/
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