Democracy under pressure: How disinformation divides our society

Democracy under pressure: How disinformation divides our society

Freiburg, Deutschland - political debates are increasingly under the sign of manipulations and the distorted perception of reality. A focus is on the role of social media that act as a catalyst for the spread of disinformation. On June 4, 2025, a report by the University of Freiburg as a basic problem that the political discourses are no longer based on a common basis of facts. The spread of false information undermines trust in democratic processes and can lead to a division of society.

The conditions in political space offer space for various interpretations of reality. Political statements are often not clear facts, but interpretations that can be manipulated. The spread of "bullshit", that is, statements that have no relation to the truth, is a central feature of current political communication. In this context, former US President Donald Trump is given as an example that has spread disinformation in a targeted manner. Trust in democracy remains crucial for a functioning political understanding.

The influence of social media

social media such as Tikkok, Instagram and Facebook have changed the information behavior of the population profoundly. According to an analysis of the , access to reliable information is essential for the democratic structure. Trust in the media has dropped from 48% to 47% since 2023, while confidence in the government has even fallen to 42%. The role of influencers has established itself as particularly significant here because they represent alternative sources of information.

This development contributes to the polarization of society. The AfD, for example, specifically uses social media and influencers to spread their messages and address young voters. Strategic manipulations, including the targeted address of emotions by AI-generated content, are worrying and threaten the integrative nature of democratic discourses. Experts emphasize that the influence of social media should not be underestimated on voting decisions, even if short-term campaigns are not decisive. Decisions of voters depend on a variety of factors that go beyond pure social media presence.

strategies to combat disinformation

It is important to emphasize the difference between truth and falsehood. Education institutions should train students in the political assessment in order to be prepared against the spread of disinformation. At a time when 34% of the population receive their news exclusively through social media, it is essential that both platform operators and political actors actively act against manipulation.

recommendations for action include the creation of a code of conduct for political parties and the implementation of public reconnaissance campaigns. It is necessary to raise awareness of the use of algorithms and data in media use. It is also advised not to address every doubtful contribution in order to avoid further spread of disinformation.

The upcoming conference "Democracy in the Age of Disinformation", which will take place on June 6, 2025 at the University of Freiburg, should offer a space for discussions about solutions. In view of the current challenges, it is important to promote solidarity and mutual respect in political discussions in order to strengthen the foundation of trust in democratic institutions.