Web of Deception: Social Media and Implications for Military Deception

Abstract

This paper examines the threats and opportunities for military deception created by social media. Overall, the paper asserts that although there are barriers, social media can and should be used for military deception operations. Furthermore, comprehensive counterdeception strategies should be developed. Using recent examples, it describes how social media is currently being used for deception by multiple actors and illustrates the need for more agile counterdeception efforts. It also explores opportunities for the use of social media by the Department of Defense in its own military deception operations. A review of doctrinal and legal issues highlights the potential barriers that exist in the use of social media in military deception and counterdeception, and recommendations for future planning and operations are provided. With looming Department of Defense budget cuts, integration of military deception and social media can be an inexpensive, but lucrative force multiplier.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 2012
Accession Number
AD1022971

Entities

People

  • Patrice L. Lyons

Organizations

  • Air Command and Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Cyber
  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Cognition
  • Department Of Defense
  • Information Operations
  • Internet
  • Military Organizations
  • Military Science
  • National Security
  • Online Communications
  • Operations Security
  • Social Media
  • Social Networking Services
  • Social Networks
  • Students
  • Terrorists
  • United States Strategic Command
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Agent-Based Social Robotics and Mobile-Assisted Learning in Virtual Environments.
  • Economics
  • Military History / Militaries and War Studies