24 November 2024

Abstract Conspiracy theories have significant societal, political, and cultural implications, yet they are not all of equal validity. Some are based on verifiable facts, while others are completely unfounded. This paper introduces the Salhi Razor, a structured methodology for distinguishing real conspiracies from pseudoconspiracies. It integrates critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and scientific methodology to form […]

Abstract The pervasive influence of social media on public opinion and decision-making has driven the development of sophisticated techniques to shape narratives and amplify specific agendas. This paper critically examines two prevalent methods: coordinated cross-platform information operations (IO) and algorithm manipulation. Drawing on recent peer-reviewed literature (2019–2024), the study explores the mechanisms, effectiveness, ethical implications,