Comparative Analysis of Engagement, Themes, and Causality of Ukraine-Related Debunks and Disinformation
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This paper compares quantitatively the spread of Ukraine-related disinformation and its corresponding debunks, first by considering re-tweets, replies, and favourites, which demonstrate that despite platform efforts Ukraine-related disinformation is still spreading wider than its debunks. Next, bidirectional post-hoc analysis is carried out using Granger causality tests, impulse response analysis and forecast error variance decomposition, which demonstrate that the spread of debunks has a positive impact on reducing Ukraine-related disinformation eventually, albeit not instantly. Lastly, the paper investigates the dominant themes in Ukraine-related disinformation and their spatiotemporal distribution. With respect to debunks, we also establish that around 18 fact-checked in another language. The latter finding highlights an opportunity for better collaboration between fact-checkers, so they can benefit from and amplify each other's debunks through translation, citation, and early publication online.
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