Attack from Within Summary

"How can a democracy survive when truth itself is under attack?" Through exploring disinformation's past, present, and future, Attack from Within offers tools to protect democratic values from this ongoing assault.

1. Disinformation's History of Manipulation

Disinformation isn't new—it has roots in historical strategies designed to control and deceive people. For centuries, authoritarian figures have manipulated the truth to consolidate power. Stories like Gregory Anton in Gaslight, who convinced his wife she was insane, mirror real-world tactics used by figures like Stalin, who erased people from photos, or Hitler, whose propaganda campaigns spread hatred and misinformation.

The transition from historical manipulation to the digital age shows how these tactics have advanced. Social media provides an unparalleled platform to spread lies efficiently. Vladimir Putin, for example, has used platforms like Facebook and Twitter to influence elections and destabilize societies, as seen in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

Moreover, repeated lies shape behavior and thought. The "liar's dividend" occurs when people stop expecting honesty, normalizing deceit. Over time, this allows manipulative leaders to act with impunity, eroding the public's ability to trust institutions or differentiate between truth and fiction.

Examples

• Stalin removed political rivals from photographs to rewrite history.
• Hitler’s propaganda fueled false narratives about marginalized groups during WWII.
• In recent years, Russian disinformation campaigns targeted U.S. voters through false social media content.

2. America’s Vulnerabilities to Disinformation

Disinformation doesn’t only come from outside forces—it thrives on weaknesses in American society. Free speech, a cornerstone of democracy, is exploited to spread unregulated lies. Disinformation manipulates this right, pitting openness against the collective good.

Falsehoods about voter fraud in the 2020 Presidential election illustrate how disinformation erodes trust in public systems. Claims of stolen ballots divided voters and sowed long-lasting doubt in election integrity. Similarly, COVID-19 vaccine misinformation led to plummeting vaccination rates, hospital overcrowding, and avoidable deaths.

Voting laws further expose weaknesses in democracy. The introduction of photo ID requirements suppresses marginalized groups who face challenges acquiring identification. These subtle blockades reinforce power imbalances, discouraging vulnerable populations from engaging in U.S. elections.

Examples

• Baseless allegations of widespread voter fraud in 2020 undermined trust in the electoral process.
• False information about COVID-19 vaccines amplified public health risks.
• Photo ID restrictions disproportionately disenfranchise low-income communities.

3. Digital Disinformation Translates to Real-World Violence

The spread of disinformation online increasingly leads to physical harm. False narratives stoke hatred, division, and extremist beliefs, turning ideological battles into violent confrontations.

A stark example followed the 2020 election. Misinformation about the validity of election results led armed groups to intimidate local officials who certified votes. One Michigan public official found a mob outside her home, their actions rooted in lies spun through social media and news outlets.

These incidents are part of a growing phenomenon of "stochastic terrorism," where indirect calls to action inspire unpredictable acts of violence. Public figures who repeat falsehoods bear responsibility for the fear they incite, as disinformation tears at society's unity and safety.

Examples

• Armed protesters in Michigan terrorized a public official based on election fraud claims.
• Social media posts fueled violence during protests in 2020 across multiple states.
• False accusations against political candidates sparked bomb threats and other serious incidents.

4. The Erosion of Trust in Truth and Leaders

When lies dominate, the public loses trust not only in narratives but also in institutions and leaders. This erosion of trust undermines democracy itself by creating stalemates on issues and alienating voters from civil engagement.

The repeated use of “fake news” as a label for journalistic integrity damages faith in media. Instead of being an institution of accountability, the press becomes part of the battlefield. Disillusioned citizens may stop voting or accuse all leaders of corruption, deepening divisions.

This resignation to dishonesty enables untrustworthy individuals to hold power, as people become numb to scandals. Over time, it weakens democratic checks on government power, allowing disinformation to spread unchecked.

Examples

• Leaders dismissing verified reporting as “fake news” reduces press influence.
• Cynicism increased after multiple political scandals where no one was held accountable.
• Trust in elections fell after widespread fraud allegations circulated unchallenged.

5. The Role of Social Media Platforms

Social media platforms bear responsibility for amplifying disinformation. Algorithms designed to prioritize engagement often elevate lies over facts because false stories are more likely to evoke strong reactions.

During the pandemic, social media sites were critical players in vaccine misinformation. Facebook groups promoted unfounded anti-vaccine theories, receiving millions of views before being flagged. Algorithmic bias enabled disinformation to vastly outpace the truth.

Efforts by these platforms to mitigate misinformation, such as labeling false claims, are inconsistent and underfunded. Without regulation or clearer policies, these technological giants unintentionally encourage the spread of dangerous narratives.

Examples

• Anti-vaccine misinformation reached millions on Facebook throughout 2020-2021.
• Twitter's algorithms amplified divisive election posts ahead of 2016’s vote.
• Fact-check labels have limited success unless platforms block misinformation at the source.

6. The Power of Education in Combating Lies

A well-informed public is the first defense against disinformation. Critical thinking and media literacy empower people to spot manipulative tactics and verify facts before sharing or believing them.

Educational reform on identifying disinformation can begin as early as middle school. When students learn how to fact-check or differentiate between credible sources and opinion pieces, they develop lifelong tools to resist manipulation.

Public awareness campaigns, modeled on anti-smoking or safe-driving initiatives, could similarly educate adults about disinformation. Spreading awareness and teaching everyone to evaluate digital content critically creates resilience against future attempts to sow doubt.

Examples

• Finland’s education system includes media literacy, reducing viral disinformation there.
• Public libraries often host free workshops on identifying reliable resources.
• Checklists for spotting manipulation, like SIFT methodology, help people think critically.

7. The Need for Balanced Legislative Reforms

Laws must adapt to address the evolving landscape of disinformation. Current regulations don’t hold platforms accountable for harmful content, but stricter policies must balance protecting free speech and curbing abuse.

One proposal involves updating Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. This long-standing rule shields social platforms from liability for user-generated content. While this freedom facilitates open communication, it also allows harmful narratives to thrive unchecked.

Introducing transparency in online advertising is another way to limit manipulative political marketing. Requiring clear disclaimers for all campaign ads in social spaces could help voters distinguish between genuine information and politically motivated promotions.

Examples

• Section 230 has been criticized for shielding companies like Facebook after privacy scandals.
• Political bots flooded elections in numerous countries, exploiting regulatory gaps.
• Disclosure rules for ads on television already outperform similar measures online.

8. Local Journalism's Role in Upholding Democracy

Local journalism plays a vital role in countering disinformation by reporting accurate, community-focused news. Yet, as local newspapers shrink due to declining ad revenue, these communities are left vulnerable to widespread lies.

Small-town papers bolster trust by covering stories affecting readers directly. Reintroducing funding or creating partnerships with nonprofits could reinvigorate this form of journalism. Without real-time coverage and fact-checking of disinformation, some regions are especially susceptible.

When people have access to reliable hometown reporting, political manipulation diminishes. Grassroots journalism provides a shield against the noise generated by larger disinformation campaigns.

Examples

• "News deserts" correlate with higher susceptibility to election-related falsehoods.
• A local paper debunked viral claims about dangerous city ordinances in Colorado.
• Nonprofits like ProPublica have begun funding local investigative storytelling.

9. Collective Action as the Path Forward

Preserving democracy will require participation from both governments and individuals. Everyone can contribute to reducing disinformation through informed voting, supporting transparency policies, and ethical online engagement.

Communities have tackled large-scale challenges before. From the moon landing to climate action, the success of mass movements depends on shared goals and collaboration. Combating disinformation can take inspiration from past efforts that united citizens.

By taking collective action—volunteering in elections, educating peers, and standing against hate-speech—individuals and governments alike help safeguard public trust. Democracy thrives when people work together toward transparency.

Examples

• Citizens often volunteer to observe polls independently of the government.
• Major petitions successfully pushed tech companies toward regulating political bots.
• Public pressure campaigns reshaped many state-level environmental rules.

Takeaways

1. Educate yourself on media literacy. Learn how to verify online facts and avoid sharing false content.
2. Support balanced policy changes holding platforms accountable while protecting free speech.
3. Participate in democracy—volunteer for civic projects or fund local journalism to ensure transparency and truth.