Memes and conflict: Study shows surge of imagery and fakes can precede international and political violence

Visual content, including manipulated images, is a staple of propaganda and political messaging. AI analysis shows that a surge of these memes can precede the outbreak of wide-scale violence.

Ernesto Verdeja, Associate Professor of Peace Studies and Global Politics, University of Notre Dame • conversation
April 24, 2025 • ~7 min

Jan. 6 was an example of networked incitement − a media and disinformation expert explains the danger of political violence orchestrated over social media

Social media allows a political leader to direct the behavior of political movements, including engaging in violence and insurrection.

Joan Donovan, Assistant Professor of Journalism and Emerging Media Studies, Boston University • conversation
Jan. 5, 2024 • ~8 min

Who participates in extreme politics and why do they?

The Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol over Donald Trump’s election loss stunned the country and forced many to ask what prompts people to political violence.

Christina Pazzanese • harvard
Jan. 29, 2021 • ~10 min

Big Tech's rejection of Parler shuts down a site favored by Trump supporters – and used by participants in the US Capitol insurrection

Millions of supporters of Donald Trump flocked to the far-right social media platform, where hate speech and calls for violence thrive. The US Capitol insurrection could be the platform's undoing.

Alex Newhouse, Research Lead, Center on Terrorism, Extremism, and Counterterrorism, Middlebury Institute of International Studies • conversation
Jan. 12, 2021 • ~12 min

Far-right activists on social media telegraphed violence weeks in advance of the attack on the US Capitol

Trump supporters openly discussed forcing Congress and Vice President Pence to overturn the election results.

Alex Newhouse, Research Lead, Center on Terrorism, Extremism, and Counterterrorism, Middlebury Institute of International Studies • conversation
Jan. 8, 2021 • ~8 min

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