Bots, trolls and geopolitics: examining the dark side of social media

<p>While social media has many benefits, there are a growing number of&nbsp;users –&nbsp;both human and machine –&nbsp;spreading harmful disinformation and misinformation on these networks.&nbsp;</p><br><p>What is the difference between disinformation and misinformation? How do different actors – both state and non-state – affect&nbsp;society and geopolitics using social media? And what steps can be taken to overcome these challenges?</p><br><p>In this episode of the <em>National Security Podcast</em>, Associate Professor Darren Linvill from Clemson University and Associate Professor Will Grant from ANU, join David Andrews in conversation to discuss the state of disinformation and misinformation on social media.</p><br><p><strong>Darren Linvill</strong> is an Associate Professor and Co-director of the Clemson University Media Forensics Hub. He studies state-affiliated social media information operations.</p><br><p><strong>Will J Grant </strong>is Associate Professor at The Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science at ANU, where he researches the interaction of science and politics. He podcasts on science at <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-wholesome-show/id1147011021" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Wholesome Show.</a></p><br><p><strong>David Andrews</strong> is the acting Policy Manager at the ANU National Security College.</p><br><p><strong>Show notes:</strong>&nbsp;</p><ul><li>ANU National Security College academic programs: <a href="https://study.crawford.anu.edu.au/master-of-national-security-policy/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">find out more</a>&nbsp;</li><li>Darren Linvill’s recent article for <em>Irregular Warfare Initiative</em> covers some of the themes discussed in today’s episode: <a href="https://irregularwarfare.org/articles/custers-last-tweet-avoiding-a-digital-little-bighorn-in-the-fight-for-hearts-and-minds/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Custer’s last tweet: avoiding a digital little bighorn in the fight for hearts an