** Digital poisoning: the art of media manipulation in the era of Deepfakes **
For several years, the information war has been intensifying worldwide, but nowhere is it as virulent as in Russia. This country uses modern technologies – in particular Deepfakes and artificial intelligence – to distort reality and influence public opinion both inside and outside its borders. While this trend is alarmed, it is crucial to explore not only the dynamics underlying this poisoning campaign, but also the broader consequences on the whole of the media ecosystem.
### Deliberate communication strategy
The disinformation that we see exploding on social networks is not the result of chance. It is part of a communication strategy carefully orchestrated by the Russian state. In parallel with a militarization of new technologies, Russia has invested massively in the research and development of methods aimed at creating content that deceives the spectator, so as to influence elections, discredit political adversaries, or even arouse distrust vis-à-vis institutions.
Deepfakes, which mix the authentic image with an altered voice or facial expression, are particularly disturbing. They make the capture of reality increasingly complex. In a world where authenticity is often synonymous with truth, the ability to produce content as convincing as false represents a unprecedented threat.
### A privileged target: Ukraine and its allies
In this information war, the Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky and his allies, notably France, find themselves in the foreground. The efforts to attack, demoralize, or divert their messages through false articles and manipulated videos testify to a concerted effort to weaken international support in favor of Ukraine. The repercussions of these campaigns are not limited to Ukraine; They also affect the perception of democracy and fundamental values in France and elsewhere, where populist movements stir up distrust of the elites and strengthen the idea that traditional media are corrupt.
In a study by the Center for the fight against disinformation, it has been revealed that more than 75 % of the content shared on social networks contain elements of disinformation concerning war in Ukraine. This pushes us to think not only about the immediate effect of these content, but also of their long -term potential. False information, fueled by advanced technologies, contribute to creating a climate of uncertainty and division, both national and international.
### The response of institutions and media
Faced with this chaotic context, the media and institutions are often disadvantaged. Fact-checking tools, although crucial, cannot resolve the problem of omnipresent disinformation. The study of belief mechanisms, cognitive biases and human behavior is just as essential to understand why fake news persists.
For example, research in psychology has shown that individuals are often more likely to believe information that aligns with their existing prejudices, regardless of their veracity. Consequently, the narratives that feed fear or strengthen cultural stereotypes are often welcomed with greater enthusiasm than more nuanced truths.
### Towards a collective societal reflection
The real challenge that disinformation represents is not only technological, but also deeply social. The ability to differentiate the true from the false in an ocean of information not only requires sophisticated tools, but also a reinforced media education and increased awareness of citizens. It is imperative that the younger generations are armed with the critical skills necessary to navigate in this complex universe.
Faced with manipulated content can generate a reaction of despair or denial vis-à-vis reality. Therefore, it is essential to cultivate cognitive resilience in the face of the wave of disinformation. Community initiatives aimed at promoting open dialogue and the exchange of ideas can play a decisive role in the fight against this tide of false stories.
### Conclusion: a long -term struggle
The fight against Deepfakes and disinformation is a question that concerns all segments of society. If technology can serve as a tool to arouse peace and dialogue, it can also be diverted to create divisions and feed hatred. By becoming critical consumers, by questioning the content and sharing verified information, each individual can help reduce the harmful impact of these poisoning campaigns.
Thus, the information war will not be won on the simple digital battlefield, but in the elevation of our collective consciousness vis-à-vis the sometimes disturbing realities of our contemporary world. A shared account and radical attention to truths, even annoying, are the only parades against this wave of disinformation which seeks to destabilize the very foundations of our democratic societies.