Official Russian government accountshave been foundto be amplifying pro-Russia disinformation on Twitter.
Meanwhile, the Ukrainian government has taken to the platform to appeal to its two million followers for support.
Hard to find words…
The killing of civilians in Bucha by Russian war criminals is appalling beyond any measure.
Help us stop Russia.
Putting social media in the mix
Mass communication began as political communication intended toestablish and control empires.
It’s free, every week, in your inbox.
Social media has added another element to the mix, and brought immediacy to strategic political communication.
It didnt take long for governments to realize the power of social media.
And they responded both by restricting access to social media as well as using it themselves.
Social mediaalonemaynot be capable of instigatingwidespread change, but it can undoubtedly play a role.
This was in fact a critical element of Russias hybrid warfare approach.
Russias strategic actions, and counteractions by Ukraine, have been studied widely by researchers.
Unsurprisingly, the research has overwhelmingly found each side to be framing the conflict invery different, and divergentways.
Research has also found social media can sustain, and even aggravate, the hostility betweenUkrainians and Russians online.
These efforts have escalated since Russias recent expansion of its invasion into Ukrainian territory.
Its even more difficult when the tone of posts changes quickly.
The Ukraine governments Twitter account is a study in contrasts of both content and tone.
Nice pics: #BeautifulUkraine Our music: #UkieBeats.
Why use humor?
Humour has a long history of being used as an element of communication andpublic diplomacyeven during wars.
Humour is particularly effectiveon social platforms because it producesvirality.
And in the case of Ukraines defence, it displays defiance.
Talked to@BorisJohnsonagain.
The United Kingdom is our powerful ally.
Discussed the defensive support for ?
?, intensification of anti-Russian sanctions and post-war security guarantees.
We look forward to the donors' conference for Ukraine.
