Russian Trolls Special
Table of Contents 📖
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"Our goal wasn't to turn Americans towards Russia. Our goal was to set Americans against their own government. To provoke unrest. Provoke dissatisfaction."
Hello Team!
Jonathan introduces the topic of the video - Russian trolls. He calls out some of the trolls that frequently comment on his channel by name, saying he knows who they are and invites them to have an open conversation about how they really feel about the war.
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Bots vs Trolls
Jonathan explains the difference between bots and trolls:
- Bots are automated personas/profiles that can like, share and retweet content
- Trolls are real people, often working out of "troll farms", pretending to be someone they are not
He notes the trolls disappeared for a few days after Prigozhin's failed mutiny attempt and the Internet Research Agency was temporarily shut down, proving they are linked to Russia.
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Information Warfare
This is fifth generation warfare - the battlefield is now the information space. It can have tangible effects like:
- Influencing support for the Russian army
- Shaping public opinion on political issues
- Interfering in elections by spreading disinformation to divide electorates
Examples of Russian Disinformation
Jonathan shares some examples of pro-Russian disinformation:
- Claims by a YouTuber called Weeb Union that Russia's military capabilities are underestimated and diplomatic negotiations are the only way to end the war
- Tucker Carlson acting as a "useful idiot" for the Kremlin by spreading their talking points
- Russian troll farms amplifying the Texas secessionist movement to sow discord
The Internet Research Agency
The Internet Research Agency (IRA) is a Russian troll farm linked to Yevgeny Prigozhin. It was heavily involved in interference in the 2016 US presidential election. The IRA employs people to create fake online personas, infiltrate online communities, and spread disinformation and divisive content. Common tactics include:
- Creating relatable backstories for fake personas
- Posting a mix of benign and political content to build trust
- Targeting divisive wedge issues like race, gun rights, immigration
- Setting Americans against their own government to provoke unrest
Employees watch shows like House of Cards to understand the main issues in the US. The goal is not to make Americans pro-Russia, but to divide them against each other and their government.
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Wrap up
In closing, Jonathan stresses the importance of being aware of where our influences come from. Russia will continue to try to gain influence by attacking people's minds and beliefs in this cost-effective way. He directly addresses the Russian trolls in his audience, asking if they really believe what they post and if it is the morally right thing to do, even if it helps them hit their targets and earn bonuses. He acknowledges it puts them in a moral dilemma. Jonathan thanks his audience for watching and supporting the channel.
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