Anchordown is a mission-driven social enterprise, helping organisations and communities prevent and respond to the growth of disinformation, online harm and polarisation. The company is run by Nicole Skews-Poole in collaboration with researchers and subject matter experts. Nicole delivered a compelling talk on the growing threat of Disinformation, its impact on institutions and communities, and how we can build resilience against it.
Disinformation is one of the most complex issues facing the world and is defined as false or misleading information created or shared with the intent to cause harm, or which
could reasonably be expected to harm an individual, group or community.
Misinformation is false information spread without harmful intent. Malinformation is true information shared out of context to mislead.
could reasonably be expected to harm an individual, group or community.
Misinformation is false information spread without harmful intent. Malinformation is true information shared out of context to mislead.
Components of disinformation:
Global and local
Spread within networks and centred on beliefs
Centred on fear, stereotypes and distrust
Amplified by technology
Purposefully funded
Reactionary
Global and local
Spread within networks and centred on beliefs
Centred on fear, stereotypes and distrust
Amplified by technology
Purposefully funded
Reactionary
Critical Events since 2020 affecting disinformation
March 2020: COVID-19
August 2020: Election shift
February 2022: Telegram migration and Parliament occupation
April 2022: Eion Musk’s Twitter
September 2023: General Election
2023/2024: Efforts to mainstream disinformation
2023/2024: Shelving counter efforts
November 2024: US Elections.
March 2020: COVID-19
August 2020: Election shift
February 2022: Telegram migration and Parliament occupation
April 2022: Eion Musk’s Twitter
September 2023: General Election
2023/2024: Efforts to mainstream disinformation
2023/2024: Shelving counter efforts
November 2024: US Elections.
Themes of Disinformation
- DISTRUST
- Government, Science and Academia, Media, “elites” and perceived out groups
- Public Health Measures
- Race, Indigenous rights and immigration
- Gender and Sexuality
- Climate Change
During the riot/demonstrations at Parliament in February 2022 there were two streams of media. One was the mainstream media expressing the negative (how horrific it was); and the other was the alternative media expressing the positive side (egging the demonstrators on). The result was a splintered reaction.
How on earth did we get here?
People were hooked in by the following:
People were hooked in by the following:
Connections with people
The information loop
Idea bridging
Legitimised by key people
Straw man values
Action
The information loop
Idea bridging
Legitimised by key people
Straw man values
Action
Why It Matters
- Disinformation is not new, but technology has amplified its reach and impact.
- It thrives on existing fears, stereotypes, and distrust, often targeting marginalized communities.
- It is globally and locally relevant, with New Zealand facing unique challenges (e.g., anti- Treaty rhetoric, anti-vaccine movements).
Technology’s Role
- Social media platforms profit from outrage and sensationalism.
- Disinformation is easier and cheaper to produce than ever, especially with AI and deepfakes.
- Platforms like Telegram have become hubs for unregulated disinformation networks.
Real-World Examples
- COVID-19 misinformation and vaccine conspiracies.
- Parliament occupation and the shift to alternative platforms.
- Electoral disinformation during the 2023 NZ elections.
- False flag theories around the Christchurch mosque attacks.
- Hobson’s Pledge using newspaper wraps to spread misleading content.
Psychological and Social Hooks
- Disinformation groups offer community, purpose, and identity.
- They create closed-loop ecosystems that reinforce beliefs.
- They often bridge ideas, evolving from one conspiracy to another.
Impact on Institutions
- Public services, science, and government agencies are under siege.
- Trust in expertise is eroding due to “do your own research” culture.
- Disinformation undermines democracy, inclusion, and public health.
Nicole’s Work
- Supports frontline teams (e.g., Ministry of Health social media staff).
- Builds incident response tools and provides education and engagement.
- Disinformation is not new, but technology has amplified its reach and impact.
- It thrives on existing fears, stereotypes, and distrust, often targeting marginalized communities.
- It is globally and locally relevant, with New Zealand facing unique challenges (e.g., anti- Treaty rhetoric, anti-vaccine movements).
Technology’s Role
- Social media platforms profit from outrage and sensationalism.
- Disinformation is easier and cheaper to produce than ever, especially with AI and deepfakes.
- Platforms like Telegram have become hubs for unregulated disinformation networks.
Real-World Examples
- COVID-19 misinformation and vaccine conspiracies.
- Parliament occupation and the shift to alternative platforms.
- Electoral disinformation during the 2023 NZ elections.
- False flag theories around the Christchurch mosque attacks.
- Hobson’s Pledge using newspaper wraps to spread misleading content.
Psychological and Social Hooks
- Disinformation groups offer community, purpose, and identity.
- They create closed-loop ecosystems that reinforce beliefs.
- They often bridge ideas, evolving from one conspiracy to another.
Impact on Institutions
- Public services, science, and government agencies are under siege.
- Trust in expertise is eroding due to “do your own research” culture.
- Disinformation undermines democracy, inclusion, and public health.
Nicole’s Work
- Supports frontline teams (e.g., Ministry of Health social media staff).
- Builds incident response tools and provides education and engagement.
- Highlights the emotional toll and complexity of working in this space.
Closing Thoughts
- Disinformation is a backlash to progress—a reaction to gains in equity, health, and inclusion.
- Building resilience requires empathy, awareness, and systemic support.
- The fight against disinformation is ongoing, complex, and deeply human.
Closing Thoughts
- Disinformation is a backlash to progress—a reaction to gains in equity, health, and inclusion.
- Building resilience requires empathy, awareness, and systemic support.
- The fight against disinformation is ongoing, complex, and deeply human.