In countries across the world, the rapid growth of social media giants such as Facebook, Twitter and You Tube as a way we consume news and process events has driven a significant escalation in dis-and misinformation in countries across the world. This context has been exacerbated by recent COVID-restrictions which has resulted in more people spending time on the internet and reading and sharing conspiracy theories and opinions or information which is not fact-checked.
The recent Capitol insurrection in Washington DC saw many of those who occupied the building describing themselves as “freedom fighters” and “patriots” who were protecting the country from a “deep state” and stolen election, but without any credible evidence to support their narrative.