Disruption Timeline

  • COVID-19 Pandemic

    COVID-19 Pandemic

    Social media used: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X (Twitter)
    Social media tactics:
    -Users turned to social media for connection and support
    -The CDC and WHO used social media to combat misinformation
    -People were posting videos of loved ones in the hospital to raise awareness
  • January 6th U.S. Capitol Attack

    January 6th U.S. Capitol Attack

    Social media used: Facebook, X (Twitter), YouTube, Telegram
    Social media tactics:
    -Encrypted social media was used to plan the attack
    -Social media posts and videos were posted to spread the "Stop the Steal" narrative
    -President Trump and far-right government officials and influencers used social media to incite the attack
  • Gaza Genocide

    Gaza Genocide

    Social media used: Instagram, TikTok, X (Twitter), Facebook
    Social media tactics:
    -Spreading images and videos
    -People against Palestine use social media to spread misinformation
    -Brands and companies have either gained or lost support due to their public stand on Gaza
    -Social media is used to coordinate and showcase peaceful protests
  • United States Presidential Elections

    United States Presidential Elections

    Social media used: Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, AI, TikTok
    Social media tactics:
    -AI was used to make "deepfakes" to spread misinformation
    -Users were making social media posts and videos in support of or against a certain candidate
    -Campaigns tried to appeal to younger generations and first time voters by posting on TikTok and using trending sounds
  • Charlie Kirk Assassination

    Charlie Kirk Assassination

    Social media used: TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), Reddit
    Social media tactics:
    -Graphic images and videos of the event were being shared all over social media
    -Misinformation regarding who the shooter was, their political party, age, etc.
    -People were coming to social media to talk about the shooting in extremes- some were celebrating and some were posting videos mourning and threatening the left