From Social Media to Chaos: The Real-World Consequences of Disinformation

The firehose of lies during the California wildfires

Photo credit: Getty Images

First, I am praying for the people in California as they deal with unimaginable loss and devastation from the wildfires. These tragedies are a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the strength of communities coming together in times of crisis. For those looking to help, CNN has compiled a list of vetted organizations accepting donations to support those affected: CNN’s Guide to Helping California Wildfire Victims.

For assistance and access to all available resources, please visit https://www.ca.gov/LAfires/

Disinformation Amid Tragedy

While Californians fight to save lives and protect their homes, another battle rages online: the relentless flood of disinformation. Led by Trump, far-right influencers, bolstered by platforms like X and Truth Social, are exploiting this tragedy to spread outright dangerous lies. Predictably, even Elon Musk has obsessively amplified this disinformation, going so far as to quote-tweet an account citing Sputnik as a source—a Russian intelligence propaganda outlet sanctioned by the U.S. government. This isn’t just reckless; it’s calculated and dangerous.

Far-right influencers wield outsized influence, not only because of their vast followings but because Republican politicians consistently amplify and legitimize their voices. This creates a feedback loop of lies and manipulation and thrives in moments of crisis. The result? Chaos, distrust, and division, all of which erode public trust in the very institutions meant to help during disasters.

Adding fuel to the fire, disinformation campaigns have yet again zeroed in on FEMA and other government agencies, attempting to sabotage their ability to respond effectively. Imagine Trump, certain Republican politicians, and far-right influencers working together in a concerted effort to actively undermine Americans in desperate need and aid. It’s outrageous!

These baseless attacks not only undermine crucial disaster relief efforts but also block the flow of aid to Californians desperately trying to begin rebuilding their lives. Instead of receiving the unified support they urgently need, victims are forced to wade through a flood of lies, making an already devastating situation even worse.

This isn’t accidental—it’s part of a broader strategy to weaponize tragedy against Democrats in an attempt to undermine their leadership in California. By spreading disinformation and creating instability, these efforts aim to weaken faith in government and agencies, in hopes of shifting the political landscape in favor of Republican gains and agenda.

Facts Are Under Attack

California was even forced to launch a wildfire fact-checking website to combat a relentless wave of lies spreading online. It’s absurd—and reprehensible—that during a life-threatening emergency while fires are still raging, the government, while focused on saving lives and protecting property, must also use resources to battle disinformation.

We’ve seen this playbook before: ongoing with Russia’s genocidal war on Ukraine, hurricane relief efforts in North Carolina, the New Orleans terrorist attack, and the past few elections—to name a few examples. These lies undermine trust in institutions, delay aid, and create chaos. The ultimate goal? To destabilize democracy, sow division, and weaken the U.S.

What’s worse is that this isn’t just an external attack—it’s an attack from within, driven by political motives and monetization, as social media platforms reward engagement. The more extreme the content, the more it spreads and becomes financially beneficial. And these lies aren’t just damaging—they’re being spread by those knowingly or unknowingly aiding our adversaries.

Who benefits? Our adversaries, both foreign and domestic, seeking to destroy the United States. Whether foreign powers like Russia or domestic forces aligned with them, these disinformation campaigns aim to destabilize the U.S., fracture its unity, and make it vulnerable to external manipulation and internal conflict.

Russia’s Role in Disinformation

For over a decade, Russia has been using social media to indoctrinate Americans. Russia’s goal isn’t just to confuse people online—it’s to provoke real-world consequences, primarily violence. For years, Russia has been working to take disinformation from the digital realm and turn it into action. The ultimate aim? To replicate events like the burning of masks during COVID-19 in front of schools, storming of state capitols, insurrections in the U.S. and Brazil, and other destabilizing actions on a larger, more destructive scale. Social media platforms, unfortunately, enable this by allowing disinformation to spread unchecked.

Russia’s tactics during the 2016 U.S. election highlighted how disinformation works. Russian operatives used Facebook to manipulate voters with fake accounts and targeted ads. Cambridge Analytica played a key role, in harvesting personal data to craft ads that exploited racial, cultural, and political divisions. Facebook was also used to amplify extremist views and even organize violent attacks. The situation worsened last week when Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced his platforms would no longer use independent fact-checkers, leaving the door wide open for disinformation.

Furthermore, last month’s shutdown of the Global Engagement Center (GEC) by Republicans has further enabled this ecosystem of disinformation. With fewer resources to counter foreign propaganda, adversaries can exploit the gap, attacking American democracy with ease. America is left defenseless in the fight against disinformation as major platforms shift to allowing it to spread unchecked. Ultimately, it is now up to us to correct the lies.

The Role of Critical Thinking

In this disinformation landscape, the responsibility falls to us. Before sharing or repeating anything, take a moment to fact-check. Use tools like Community Notes on X or other reliable fact-checking resources. Be wary of sensational claims, especially during crises when emotions run high. It’s essential to develop a healthy skepticism when consuming information online. This means questioning sources, verifying facts through multiple channels, and considering the broader context.

Disinformation thrives on impulsive reactions, so by pausing and reflecting before engaging, we can help curb the spread of false narratives. Critical thinking isn't just an individual skill—it's a collective defense against the manipulation of truth.

As we combat disinformation, it's also vital to educate others. Many individuals, especially those who are less familiar with media literacy, may not recognize disinformation when they encounter it. Providing tools, resources, and guidance on how to fact-check and think critically can help build a more resilient society. In the end, the more informed we are, the harder it becomes for disinformation to succeed.

We must stay vigilant, informed, and proactive in combating these threats. Support California’s recovery efforts, but also protect the truth—because in times of crisis, facts save lives!

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