Social media have changed how the war in Ukraine has been reported on and seen by the rest of the world. While the average civilians on the ground can post images, the Ukrainian government and military have also used the various social media platforms as a means to highlight its successes – and more importantly Russia’s setbacks.

Even though we admit that Kyiv’s Russian troop losses as well as the total number of tanks destroyed/captured are exaggerated, these posts helped to rally the Ukrainian people.

Professor and Director of Diplomacy and International Relations graduate programs at Norwich University, Dr. Lasha Tachantouridze stated that social media was used extensively since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine.

Social networks have been a valuable tool for the Ukrainian government. But private groups, individuals, and organizations that support Ukraine’s cause are even better. The social networks allow for cross-pollination between Western and Russian sources of information.

Tchantouridze stated that private entities had helped Ukraine generate and distribute content, and have amplified Kyiv’s messages.

It isn’t just Kyiv’s propaganda machine that has been tweeting, posting, and sharing images and videos from the front lines – much of the effort is being made by those that could be described as anti-Russian rather than strictly as pro-Ukrainian.

Tchantouridze said that support for Ukraine comes from “unexpected circles.” Russian activists and opposition groups have contributed a very important contribution, both from Russia as well as those operating in the West. This synthesis has contributed to the strengthening of pro-Ukrainian public opinion within the West.

Russian Failedness

Russia, despite its failures in the field and on social media, has mostly failed to make use of it. Here is the problem: Moscow has been at serious disadvantage since its invasion unprovoked in February.

According to Dr. William Pelfrey Jr. of Virginia Commonwealth University, “The invasion of Ukraine inspired many government actions in America and Europe. However, these tend on a large scale and amorphous levels.”

Although Russia was immediately banned from most of these services, experts believe that it has not made much difference. Social media was not likely to be used by the Kremlin in the same manner as Ukraine.

What is the difference? How Ukraine uses social media differently to Russia? It is what makes a society open or closed. Russia can spread disinformation very effectively, but they don’t encourage or discourage social media sharing,” said Rebecca Weintraub (emerita founder director of the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, University of Southern California).

Russia instead shut out all independent media. As the Kremlin was unable to control all information, it also restricted social media usage.

It’s the party line every time. Weintraub said that Russia must stick to the narrative it uses to justify starting or continuing the war.

The strictest controls have applied to even …read more

Source:: Social Media Explorer

Author: Aaron