NIck Layman's Blog

When an important breaking news story hits all types of factual information, misinformation, and disinformation is flooded into the mainstream. This information is then reported, distributed, and then displayed through multiple outlets. These outlets historically were restricted to cable news and newspaper. However, with the continual advances in technology new media currents such as social media, streaming, and online forums have changed the way information is presented. Even with advances in technology, it does not safeguard us from the spread of misinformation and disinformation.

As of today, it is seen as industry standard to have algorithmic systems in our media feeds to help tailor and keep our attention on a certain platform (X, Instagram, Google, and ect.). This type of perpetual exposure often leads us to be susceptible to echo chambers, misinformation, and disinformation campaigns online. All outlets big and small have vested interest in influencing and gaining your attention for all sorts of reasons. This is what makes the media landscape a slippery slope at times.

Unfortunately, the same exact scenario of which I just described happened to me. On the day of March 22nd, 2024 my X feed had blown up due to the terrorist attacks in Moscow, Russia. In the following days, a plethora of information both true and false flooded my feeds. The most prominent “theory” being a western collusion with terrorists to attack Russia. The piece of media that caught my eye was a meme depicting that exact scenario. Here’s how found out more.

The Roots of the Claim:

Step #1: Where and how did you come across this claim? I started by opening my X page and randomly scrolling in the explore section. Originally, the post I came across was by Jackson Hinkle (Political Commentator) on “President Putin granted LEGAL IMMUNITY for the soldiers who cut off the ear of the Moscow terrorist”. I clicked on the post and scrolled down to see the meme by Liberty Pill Memes.

Step #2: Why is the claim worthy of evaluation? When looking at the claim (meme) in its entirety everything just seems off from the beginning. Earlier, I read articles from the Wall Street Journal, The Associated Press, and Politico about multiple intelligence agencies (including U.S.) giving plentiful amount of warning to Russia. This made the meme stand out in an ominous way.

Step #2: Why is the claim worthy of evaluation? When looking at the claim (meme) in its entirety everything just seems off from the beginning. Earlier, I read articles from the Wall Street Journal, The Associated Press, and Politico about multiple intelligence agencies (including U.S.) giving plentiful amount of warning to Russia. This made the meme stand out in an ominous way.

Step #3: What were my initial thoughts? Did you take it seriously?  My initial thoughts on the matter was just pure amusement because of the funny nature of the meme. However, it did not make sense to me after reading articles stating that the intelligence communities warned Russia about the attacks. After digging deeper, I began to find see some issues.

Step #4: What were the red flags?  The first red flag that I saw was how many likes this tweet got for how many followers this account had. I was under the impression that it was boosted artificially. Next I saw some of the followers that were following Liberty Pill Memes. The majority of them looked like bots. Also, there was no evidence to back up the claim being made and the comments being on the post made no sense. Finally, everything about that page is a textbook echo chamber that is only mean for polarization and one-sided thinking.

Step #5: How did you investigate this claim? What did you find? I investigated this claim using three methods which was the SIFT method, lateral reading, and Bot Sentinel. These methods allowed me to be unbiased, impartial, and better informed. The SIFT Method and lateral reading allowed me to find better sources to try and understand this claim. These methods allowed me to find articles surrounding Russia’s blame on the West which could very well be why this meme exists. Bot Sentinel allowed me to check to see what majority of Liberty Pill Memes followers bots. The account checked out.

To Wrap Up:

My final assessment of Liberty Pill Memes account and post was that it was an echo chamber. If anything at most it was one sided echo chamber that only cared about attention and division which is common on X. People should take the time to try and understand why things are being said on the internet so they don’t regurgitate baseless claims. For example, even if the CIA was involved in shady activity in the past doesn’t mean they planned a terrorist attack. Especially, if you don’t have any evidence to back your claims. Use lateral reading and be objective when consuming your news in order to find right information.