If Russian misinformation online was so effective, then why dont we see other countries and institutions doing the same?
And in fact we do. The CIA and Dept of Defense have similar programs. The CCP and many EU spy agencies do it. And the historical leader in influencing online discourse is Israel.
Israel's Hasbara propaganda campaign is huge. Students receive scholarships for posting online disinformation. The IDF has a well-funded military arm dedicated to influencing online discourse.
So when we only hear about Russian bots and Russian influence, it feels disingenuous. It is pushing a political narrative. There is a genocide going on. The US administration is supporting it. This meme is downplaying it.