Visual misinformation

Throughout history, visuals have been considered a powerful force in shaping political conflicts, serving as a means of disseminating crucial information and fostering a global comprehension of crises (Griffin, 1999; Messaris & Abraham, 2001). In parallel to this documentation function, visuals have long been used in a deliberate and manipulative way to elicit specific behavioral or cognitive responses from citizens (Jowett, 2008). Today, the malicious use of visuals continues to play a central role in political conflicts, facilitated by emerging technologies that enable their effortless production and widespread dissemination (Pashentsev, 2023). However, despite their pervasive presence, there exists a conceptual ambiguity concerning the various forms in which deceptive visuals manifest and the impact they have on individuals (eg, Dan et al., 2021; Peng et al., 2023; Weikmann & Lecheler, 2022).
To address these gaps in the literature, this chapter employs the term visual misinformation to explore the role of images in propagating falsehoods during times of crisis. Rather than focusing on a single case, it examines various formats that have emerged in different conflicts. Drawing on theories from visual communication and psychology, along with existing empirical findings, the chapter maps out the diverse effects of visual misinformation, illustrating its potential contribution to political conflicts. Additionally, the chapter presents a research agenda for scholars interested in investigating this phenomenon. The paper concludes by advocating for further research on the impact of visual misinformation in political conflicts globally.