Digital Disinformation campaigns, Hyper-Partisan Media Outlets, and the Radicalization of Civil Discourse in the Post-Truth Era

Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies | Vol. 10, No. 1, January 2019 | pp. 1–9

DOI: 10.46882/2019/GJPCS/100101

Article Type: Original Research Paper

Title: Digital Disinformation campaigns, Hyper-Partisan Media Outlets, and the Radicalization of Civil Discourse in the Post-Truth Era

Authors: Sarah L. Bernstein¹, Amanuel T. Mengistu²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Oxford Internet Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; ²Institute for Peace and Security Studies, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract:
The rapid proliferation of computational propaganda and deliberate disinformation campaigns has structurally altered contemporary political communication networks and accelerated identity-based polarization. This paper investigates the algorithmic mechanisms through which hyper-partisan digital platforms manipulate public sentiment and amplify ethno-political divisions. Employing a cross-national quantitative content analysis of approximately 650,000 localized political posts, we track the spread of inflammatory alternative facts across digital networks during recent constitutional debates. The empirical results demonstrate that social media algorithms engineered to maximize user engagement disproportionately prioritize emotionally volatile content, creating isolated ideological echo chambers. Statistical correlation modeling establishes that a 20% increase in localized network exposure to verifiably false political rumors precedes spikes in urban civil unrest by a predictable 24-hour window (r = 0.71, p < 0.01). The study highlights how traditional civil society organizations are systematically marginalized within these digital architecture frameworks. We conclude that mitigating digital radicalization requires shifting from reactive content moderation toward imposing legally binding transparency requirements on algorithmic design models.

Keywords: Digital Disinformation; Hyper-Partisan Media; Computational Propaganda; Polarization; Algorithmic Design; Civil Discourse

Manuscript Timeline: Received: July 10, 2018; Revised: September 15, 2018; Accepted: October 22, 2018; Published: January 12, 2019

Citation: Bernstein, S. L., & Mengistu, A. T. (2019). Digital Disinformation campaigns, Hyper-Partisan Media Outlets, and the Radicalization of Civil Discourse in the Post-Truth Era. Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies, 10(1), 1–9. DOI: 10.46882/2019/GJPCS/100101

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