Deadly Disinformation

Viral online disinformation is misleading content that generated to manipulate public opinion and circulate rapidly in the digital space. Although viral has become an instrument for radicalization, specific psychological mechanisms by which can be weaponized––wielded as mobilizing radicalizing political tools––are not yet well-understood. In this paper, we establish potential of concerted efforts impact mass radicalization violence, first through historical precedents deadly campaigns, then modern-day examples from USA Russia. Comparing contrasting effects two recent QAnon’s #SaveTheChildren campaign USA, anti-LGBTQ Russia, paper highlights significance LGBTQ contagion threat—a notion people “turned” into deliberate outside influence. The consequences such messaging, its main target audience, vulnerability factors rendering individuals especially susceptible are discussed.