The Disinformation Kill Chain (MAGIC)

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Sam, a high school student asked me several questions for an independent study project on misinformation and propaganda. The questions are:

1. What are some common examples of misinformation/deception/propaganda online?

2. Can misinformation be categorized based on intent, content type, medium, subject matter, and source? If so, how can one identify them and their differences?

3. Deception and propaganda seem to be distinct from other types of misinformation. Please help me understand the differences, if they are different, past being intentionally manipulative.

4. What techniques and strategies are necessary/essential to create and disseminate misleading information?

5. What are some of the psychological and social factors that make individuals more susceptible to misinformation?

6. How and why is it difficult to change somebody’s mind after they have been exposed to misinformation?

7. How does repetition and distraction play a big role when it comes to people believing misinformation?

8. What is the easiest way to detect misinformation?

9. To combat misinformation, what strategies can be implemented for developing countermeasures to promote critical thinking?

10. What are some other resources or materials that could help my research?

The MAGIC Disinformation Kill Chain stands for:

MAKE the goal

ACQUIRE the target

GENERATE the disinformation

INFILTRATE the target (or INITIATE the operation)

CASCADE the amplification

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