Why Disinformation is Here to Stay. A Socio-technical Analysis of Disinformation as a Hybrid Threat

This book chapter contains an overview of disinformation as a hybrid threat from a socio-technical perspective. We first define disinformation as a hybrid threat, its historic background, and the role of technology. We highlight the incentives of actors, how disinformation gets diffused and which cognitive mechanisms are at play for disinformation to take root. Next we expound why disinformation is a hybrid threat, how it challenges democracy to its core, and why there is also a threat in response to disinformation. Lastly, we provide an overview of the hybrid solutions to this hybrid threat by looking at current policy responses that use diplomatic means, responses that regulate platforms’ role in the diffusion of disinformation, and responses that aim to strengthen the resilience of citizens to resist disinformation content.