Ignorance, Disinformation, Manipulation and Hate Speech as Effective Tools of Political Power

Abstract

The outbreak of the pandemic, military conflicts and political maelstrom have changed the constellation of the information environment, generating a noticeable increase in ignorance, disinformation, manipulation resulting in fake news, conspiracy theories and the hate speech. The phenomena are escalated and intensified by rapid technological progress, widespread digitization and its impact on all areas of life, especially political activity. Due to the changes brought about by the digital revolution, a new social formation has emerged, known as the information society represented not only by politicians and social activists. The modified architecture of digital space causes the formation of new instruments, influence factors, and harmful social phenomena – previously present and recognized, but never before so intense. This article describes and analyses the issue of ignorance, misinformation, disinformation and manipulation as potential and actual tools of political power and terrorism. The study assesses the impact of disinformation, manipulation and hate speech disseminated through social media sites and abused by politicians who use it to build and extend political power. It also examines the impact of these detrimental and injurious phenomena on the functioning of the rule of law, democracy and fundamental human rights. The article defines the terms of ignorance, misinformation and manipulation proving that a language, as a means of communication should be neutral, is actually used for promoting ideology, coming to power, serving hatred, violence, and inciting criminal acts and crimes. Thus, political players worldwide use language and media to justify violence and to spread false ideologies and improve their public image.