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The Battle of Narratives in the 21st Century: How Social Media and Artificial Intelligence Are Shaping the Digital Information Landscape
Event Title
4th International Social Science Week
Year (definitive publication)
2025
Language
English
Country
Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Abstract
The 21st century has witnessed an unprecedented transformation in how narratives are constructed, disseminated, and weaponized. This lecture examines the evolving dynamics of propaganda, political communication, and digital disinformation, focusing on the dual role of social media platforms and artificial intelligence (AI) in reshaping the global information ecosystem. Beginning with a historical overview of propaganda—from 20th-century state-controlled media to today’s decentralized digital networks—the discussion highlights how technological advancements have amplified the speed, scale, and sophistication of narrative manipulation. Central to the analysis is the exploitation of social media by governments and political actors to spread partisan narratives, including AI-generated content such as deepfakes, synthetic media, and algorithmically optimized messaging. Case studies illustrate how these tools are deployed to influence policymakers, polarize societies, and undermine democratic processes (e.g., election interference campaigns, viral disinformation during crises). The lecture also addresses regulatory and legislative responses to these challenges, contrasting national approaches with EU-wide initiatives such as the Digital Services Act (DSA) and the AI Act. By evaluating policies aimed at platform accountability, transparency in political advertising, and ethical AI governance, the talk critically assesses the balance between safeguarding free expression and curbing digital harms.
Acknowledgements
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Keywords
artificial intelligence,AI,metaverse,propaganda,information,disinformation,cognitive warfare,misinformation,malinformation,russia,social media,digital communication,fake news,false news,ukraine,european union,DSA,AI act,deep fakes,censorhip,freedom of information,fundamental human rights,UN,CoE,ECHR,ECTHR
Fields of Science and Technology Classification
- Psychology - Social Sciences
- Sociology - Social Sciences
- Law - Social Sciences
- Political Science - Social Sciences
- Media and Communications - Social Sciences
- Other Social Sciences - Social Sciences
- Philosophy, Ethics and Religion - Humanities
- Other Humanities - Humanities
