Influence of information manipulation on democracy and public opinion
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62452/xk4qjr52Keywords:
Information manipulation, public opinion, misinformation, social networksAbstract
The phenomenon of "troll centers", organized groups that manipulate social media, has raised concerns about their impact on democracy and public opinion, as they employ tactics such as the dissemination of disinformation and ideological polarization. For this reason, the present study has focused on analyzing this phenomenon, particularly regarding its capacity to alter public opinion and undermine democratic systems. A qualitative and descriptive approach was adopted, complemented by a systematic documentary review concerning the content analysis of social networks, as well as the identification of behavioral patterns and technological tools used by troll centers. The findings revealed that troll centers have not only generated a distorted representation of reality, but have also significantly affected democratic processes and citizens' trust in institutional systems. Moreover, during electoral events, disinformation and the use of opaque algorithms have amplified their negative impact on electoral outcomes and the manipulation of societal perception. In conclusion, the study has suggested that future research should promote the implementation of public policies centered on digital literacy, algorithmic transparency, and international cooperation to effectively address this phenomenon. It should also foster optimal solutions capable of safeguarding and strengthening the protection of citizens’ digital rights.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Deinier Ros-Álvarez, Rommel David Tamayo-Hinojosa, Génesis Karolina Robles-Zambrano (Autor/a)
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