Since Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, there has been a sharp drop in social media posting about the atrocities being committed by Russia. The graph below shows Google Trends’ analysis of web searches for “Ukraine” since the war began. Same pattern.
At the same time that the public’s attention has veered away from the conflict, there has been an uptick in traction for pro-Putin narratives online. This is not a coincidence. Initially, there was such a massive, organic outpouring of support for Ukraine that Russian disinformation had nowhere to go. Putin couldn’t get a foothold.
A decrease in traffic and interest online in support of Ukrainians is exactly what Russia wants. And what Ukrainians fear. There will be more space for anti-Ukraine messages to permeate in digital spaces.
It is so incredibly essential that people from around the globe commit to flooding the zone with content that highlights Putin’s lies, shines a spotlight on the atrocities he’s committing, showcases the valor of the Ukrainian people, and signals the unity of the global community against this invasion.
Putin will not stop trying to divide NATO, smear Zelenskyy and make up retroactive excuses for slaughtering Ukrainians. We need to have a united front, as the Kremlin is masterful with disinformation.
I am committed. I won’t succumb to the flow of the online narrative. I intend to drive it. In support of democracy. In support of Ukraine.
If you are likewise committed, please join our team fighting Putin’s disinformation on The Digital Front. All you need is a social media account and the determination to not abandon Ukrainians on the digital battlefield. Join here:
