Web of Lies: Mapping the Narratives, Effects, and Amplifiers of Russian Covid-19 Disinformation

The web of lies surrounding COVID-19 has been purposefully exacerbated by hostile actors, with researchers, analysts, and policymakers alike attempting to keep pace with unfolding disinformation narratives and subsequent effects on citizens. While the content of hostile disinformation narratives is relatively well-researched, how these narratives interact and are amplified to generate psychological effects requires further scrutiny. To address this gap, this study uses Russian COVID-19 disinformation combined with network methodologies to contextualize a novel hypothetical model of this process. Specifically, we conduct a content analysis of known disinformation articles about COVID-19 (N = 65) from Russian news sources (e.g. RT, Sputnik, New Eastern Outlook). Using co-occurrence network visualizations, we map the nexus between narrative and psychological effects to provide new insights and testable models of the effects of COVID-19 disinformation. Main findings show how hostile anti-Western narratives primarily target the emotions of anger, disgust, and confusion with the aim of undermining citizens’ trust in (supra-) governmental institutions and the media. This is the first step in a research agenda that can help media practitioners develop interventions and aid policymakers in bolstering societal resilience to hostile disinformation campaigns.