Disinformation networks: A quali-quantitative investigation of antagonistic Dutch-speaking Telegram channels

Abstract

In the field of disinformation research, the study of antagonistic networks and discourse on the messaging platform Telegram has developed into an active area of investigation. To this end, recent literature has specifically set out to map the scale, scope, and narrative trends marking Telegram communities with ties to localised, European contexts. The present paper contributes to this line of inquiry by offering an empirically-informed exploration of far-right and conspiracist Telegram channels associated with Flanders and the Netherlands. Building on previous observations concerning the propagation of disinformation on social media, the paper proposes a typology of the antagonistic discourse and narratives that circulate within these public channels. It thereby seeks to reconcile the comprehensive perspectives afforded by ‘big data’ approaches with the analysis of Telegram in an event– and culture–specific context. Covering the period March 2017–July 2021, this paper specifically considers an inductively collected dataset of 215 public Telegram channels and 371,951 messages pertaining to the relevant contexts, and bridges gaps between quantitative and qualitative methods by combining visual network analysis with discourse analysis. This combined approach reveals an expanding, highly diverse and dynamic network of Telegram channels, marked by overlapping antagonistic narratives, including traces of international conspiracy theories such as ‘The Great Reset’ and QAnon. These observations contribute to our understanding of how an emerging ‘alt-tech’ platform harbours and interconnects antagonistic actors and narratives in a specific linguistic and political context.

Messaging strategies of Ukraine and Russia on Telegram during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine

“…Telegram's lax moderation policies, privacy (especially its 'secret chat' option), and capacity for large public groups makes it a go-to communication app for far-right extremists, conspiracy theorists, criminals, and extremists (including the Islamic State); consequently, issues such as misinformation, propaganda, conspiracy theories, radicalization, and hate speech are widespread on Telegram. Several researchers have analyzed Telegram data from the perspective of these groups and these issues (Herasimenka, et al, 2023;Willaert, et al, 2022;Krona, 2020;Rogers, 2020). However, all these features of Telegram also benefit citizens during times of dissent (protest movements), conflicts, and wars.…”

Mapping Extremist Discourse Communities on Telegram: The Case of the Russian Imperial Movement and Its Affiliates

“…Analyses of far-right groups on Telegram have revealed that they tend to operate in decentralized networks that are largely divided by ideology and nationality (Urman and Katz, 2020). However, Willaert et al, (2022) have shown that common antagonistic narratives still persist throughout diverse channels. This paper will map discourse communities created by Russian extremists on Telegram.…”

“…These studies often leverage both discourse and network analysis in mapping online discourse communities (Willaert et al, 2022;Krutrök and Lindgren 2018;Klein and Muis 2018;Himelboim et al, 2013). The discourse analysis is typically done through manual content analysis (Krutrök and Lindgren 2018; Klein and Muis 2018;Himelboim et al, 2013).…”

Messaging Strategies of Ukraine and Russia on Telegram during the 2022 Russian Invasion of Ukraine

“…Consequently, issues such as misinformation, propaganda, conspiracy theories, radicalization, and hate speech are rampant on Telegram. Several researchers have analyzed Telegram data from the perspective of these groups and these issues (Herasimenka, Bright, Knuutila, & Howard, 2022;Krona, 2020;Rogers, 2020;Urman & Katz, 2022;Willaert, Peeters, Seijbel, & Van Raemdonck, 2022). However, all these features of Telegram also works to the benefit of citizens during the times of dissent (protest movements), conflicts, and wars.…”