Types Of Manipulation In Online Media And Social Networks

Introduction. In the modern information environment, characterized by the rapid dissemination of news through online media and social networks, information manipulation has become a common phenomenon. During crisis situations, such as military conflicts or epidemics, the amount of misinformation, fake news, and propaganda increases, negatively impacting public opinion and trust in the media. This research aims to study various manipulations in online media and social networks, their mechanisms of influence, and their consequences for society. Relevance and Purpose. The relevance of the topic is determined by the need to understand the mechanisms of manipulation used in media to shape public opinion. The purpose of the article is to characterize the features of concepts related to manipulation and misinformation in modern media, explain the mechanisms of influence, and the consequences of these phenomena. Methodology. The study employs several methods: descriptive, classification, and content analysis. An analysis of Ukrainian media content for 2024 was conducted regarding publications of a manipulative nature. Additionally, a survey of 250 respondents was carried out to identify their perceptions of unreliable information. Results. The results indicate that manipulation is a targeted psychological influence on the audience’s consciousness. The main types of manipulative information include disinformation, malinformation, misinformation, fake news, propaganda, IPSO (information-psychological operations), and “zhyza” (paid-for news). Disinformation refers to deliberately created false information, while malinformation contains true facts presented in a misleading context. Propaganda is a broader concept that includes both true and distorted information aimed at achieving specific goals. The article’s conclusions emphasize the necessity of enhancing media literacy among the population and the importance of critical thinking in perceiving information from online sources. The study also revealed that manipulative materials often employ emotional influence and dis¬tortion of facts to shape certain views within society. Important aspects also include the role of memes as a manipulation tool among youth.