How do foreign actors try to influence our society through social media?
We become increasingly aware of the amount of resources foreign governments and non-state actors have invested over the last decade into campaigns designed to shape opinions and behaviour of our society in line with their own goals. Quick and effective actions are required to protect society at large from this potential threat NATO refers to as Cognitive Warfare.
In collaboration with TNO, we explore how Cognitive Warfare affects individuals, groups, and societies in today’s fast-moving information environment. Social media, emerging technologies, and the involvement of both state and non-state actors make it increasingly difficult to trace how messages spread and to assess their true impact. Existing methods often fall short, leaving a critical gap in our ability to understand and respond effectively.
Our aim is to develop new knowledge and tools to better detect and measure the effects of influence operations. By deepening our understanding of how these campaigns work, the project seeks to support more informed decision-making and help protect societies from foreign manipulation.
For more information on the project please contact Tom Nyhoff, Maximilian A. Friehs and José Kerstholt