After Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Latvia restricted access to Russian and Belarusian propaganda resources. Consequently, more anonymous and less regulated social media platforms on the internet have gained increased importance for information dissemination.
Key Findings
- Nature of Hate Narratives:
- Hate narratives about Ukraine and Ukrainians often reflect Russian propaganda themes, such as portraying Ukrainians as extremists or questioning the legitimacy of Ukrainian statehood.
- Narratives may be explicit or subtle, leveraging existing societal tensions or prejudices.
- Platforms for Dissemination:
- Anonymous and semi-regulated platforms like Telegram and other social media channels have become central to spreading these narratives.
- Content includes misinformation, distorted historical accounts, and outright hostility toward Ukrainian refugees and their integration.
- Impact on Society:
- These narratives contribute to divisions within Latvian society, particularly between ethnic and linguistic communities.
- They may hinder the integration of Ukrainian refugees and exacerbate social tensions.
- Sources and Actors:
- Many hate narratives originate from or are amplified by pro-Kremlin media, local influencers sympathetic to Russian interests, and anonymous users leveraging Latvia’s ethnic diversity.
Recommendations
- Enhanced Monitoring:
- Strengthen oversight of hate narratives on social media platforms, particularly those targeting Ukrainians.
- Public Awareness Campaigns:
- Educate the public about misinformation and the dangers of hate narratives to foster social cohesion.
- Support for Ukrainian Refugees:
- Provide integration support to Ukrainian refugees to counteract the negative impacts of hate narratives.
- Collaborative Efforts:
- Encourage partnerships between governments, civil society, and tech companies to address the spread of harmful narratives.
Conclusion
The study underscores the importance of addressing hate narratives both as a social issue and a potential threat to Latvian societal unity. It highlights the need for a proactive approach, combining monitoring, education, and support systems, to mitigate the divisive effects of misinformation and propaganda.
Study “Hate Narratives About Ukraine and Ukrainians in Latvian Social Media and Society” in Latvian is available here.