Developing Novel Socio-computational Methodologies to Analyze Multimedia-based Cyber Propaganda Campaigns

Abstract

With the proliferation of smart devices and mobile and social network environments, the social side effects of these technologies ha"ve become more profound playing a key role in social and political disintegration. Several investigations have reported Information" and Communications Technologies (ICTs) such as the Internet and especially social media (e.g., Twitter, Facebook, blogs, YouTube, e"tc. and the ~deep web~ channels) are strategically used to coordinate cyberpropaganda campaigns. YouTube is one of the fastest grow"ing modes of behavioral steering, with various production styles catering to specific demographics (teens and youth) subjecting them"" to conspiracy theories, disinformation campaigns, and radicalization strategies. Prolific linking of YouTube videos in tweets, blog""s, Telegram posts, etc. has tremendously helped frame the discourse and is considered an extremely successful information operation"" tactic. This project aims to peel the layers of the complex media integration strategy, develop novel ways to assess the persuasive"" power of individual layers, and collectively assess their effectiveness in disinformation campaigns, leverage conventional social n""etwork theories, text mining, and multimedia processing concepts to assess favorable conditions for a propaganda campaign to become"" effective, or an extremist video to go viral.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Jun 09, 2017
Source ID
N000141712605

Entities

People

  • Nitin Agarwal

Organizations

  • Office of Naval Research
  • United States Navy
  • University of Arkansas System

Tags

Readers

  • Agent-Based Social Robotics and Mobile-Assisted Learning in Virtual Environments.
  • Political Violence and Terrorism Studies.

Technology Areas

  • Cyber