disinformation

The present study is an attempt to problematize the multivalent data in the cyberspace through the lenses of Wittgenstein’s analytic philosophy of language. Adopting this linguistic philosophy approach is aimed at exploring the dichotomous question of whether cyberspace is a possibility for social power or it is a contributory cause of communicative discontinuity and henceforth a possibility for social anomia. The central argument here is that within cyberspace there exist three languages at work each one with a degree of semiotic power: pictorial, verbal and mathematical. Since none of them is based on a one-to-one correspondence between the signifiers and the signifieds, the cyberspace users in practice are led to misinformation and disinformation instead of information. This situation creates an epistemic chasm in their real life. This is because their finite mind is not able to grasp the infinite reality of the cyberspace multivalent data. Accordingly, cyberspace with its abundance of misinformation and disinformation leads us to a mental disorder. This constitutes the real power of social media in creating a socio-political turmoil and anomia.

Advancements in technology and the pervasive influence of internet and social media on individuals have propelled societies into post-truth era. This epoch is characterized by distinct features that have brought about significant changes in both societal dynamics and communication methods. Notably, the emergence and proliferation of social media and internet have played a key role in shaping and exacerbating these changes. Given that information dissemination and communication via internet and social media platforms now constitute a substantial component of contemporary public diplomacy practices, the realms of public diplomacy and post-truth share commonalities in terms of platforms used, target audience, and content delivered to them. Consequently, alterations in these factors within the post-truth era have a discernible impact on the field of public diplomacy. This study aims to investigate and analyze this impact, using grounded theory method to propose a novel analytical model for assessing public diplomacy activities within the framework of post-truth era. An examination of how these factors are applied in the realm of public diplomacy reveals a notable shift in policies and practices, from traditional objective of cultivating a positive image, towards a more assertive approach. This study introduces this new approach as a theoretical framework, termed "Antagonistic Public Diplomacy".

Background: Misinformation has undergone significant transformations over the past few decades, evolving from relatively simple text-based fake news articles to highly sophisticate AI-driven content such as deepfakes and other forms of manipulated media.Aims: This paper traces the historical development of misinformation, its increasing reliance on Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the potential future trajectories of disinformation as AI technologies advance.Methodology: We begin by examining the shift from traditional text-based disinformation campaigns, often propagated via social media platforms, to more immersive and persuasive forms of AI-generated media.Discussions: We discuss how AI techniques, such as Generative Adversarial Networks and Natural Language Processing, have revolutionized the landscape of false information, allowing for the automation of misinformation production and its widespread dissemination at an unprecedented scale. Furthermore, this paper investigates the role of social media algorithms in amplifying disinformation, demonstrating how these platforms, originally designed to prioritize user engagement, inadvertently aid in the spread of false information by promoting sensationalized or emotionally charged content. Through an in-depth analysis of case studies, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2020 U.S. elections, this paper highlights the dangers posed by AI-generated misinformation, particularly deepfakes, which are becoming increasingly difficult to detect, even by advanced AI systems. The implications of this shift for democratic processes, public trust, and societal cohesion are profound. This paper also explores the ethical dilemmas posed by AI-driven misinformation and presents potential solutions through the lens of AI-enhanced detection technologies and policy interventions. Lastly, this paper emphasizes the urgent need for interdisciplinary cooperation between policymakers, technologists, and media organizations to mitigate the harmful impacts of AI-driven misinformation while preserving the integrity of information in the digital age.Conclusions: By exploring both technological and regulatory approaches, a comprehensive framework for understanding the evolving threat of AI-driven disinformation is essential and pathways for future research in this critical area is suggested.