ICT4D: development or destabilization? A cross-country study on the polarizing effect of political disinformation through social media

Abstract

Information and communication technologies hold immense potential to enhance our lives and societal well-being. However, digital spaces have also emerged as a fertile ground for propaganda operations and fake news campaigns, which pose a threat to societal harmony. Despite the fact that this dark side is acknowledged in the literature, little is known about the diverse influence of disinformation operations by a variety of actors. In addition, internet censorship and social media monitoring efforts have largely been accused of stifling personal liberties. The current study builds on these gaps and challenges the status quo by drawing on complexity theory and utilizing fsQCA for a cross-country investigation of the influence of a variety of disinformation campaigns and hate speech in polarizing societies. In doing so, it offers a balanced perspective on internet censorship and social media monitoring as necessary evils to combat the disinformation menace and sheds light on the definitive role of foreign disinformation and hate speech. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.