Fact Check: Consider brexit, an idea so dumb in every way every way, and yet it happened. Many journalists pointed out how russian influence and social media formed peoples votes, how it brought out the worst side in many of my countrymen, how many regretted it almost immediately. Turns out its really easy to get stupid people to hate things.

Fact Check: "Consider Brexit, an idea so dumb in every way every way, and yet it happened..."

What We Know

The claim discusses the influence of Russian interference and social media on the Brexit referendum, suggesting that these factors played a significant role in shaping public opinion and voter behavior. Research indicates that over 150,000 Russian-language Twitter accounts posted tens of thousands of messages in English advocating for Brexit just before the referendum, with many of these messages aimed at inflaming fears about immigration and Muslims (New York Times). This aligns with broader patterns of Russian disinformation tactics observed in other elections, such as the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

Moreover, a study identified that 419 accounts linked to the Kremlin tweeted about Brexit, with many posts occurring on the day of the vote (Wired). However, while there is evidence of Russian social media activity related to Brexit, the extent of its influence on the actual voting behavior remains a matter of debate. Some sources argue that while Russian interference is a concern, it is not definitively proven that it significantly swayed the referendum outcome (Wikipedia, CSIS).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim of Russian influence on the Brexit vote is substantial but not conclusive. The New York Times article highlights the coordinated efforts of Russian accounts to manipulate public sentiment, suggesting a deliberate strategy to sow discord and promote divisive narratives (New York Times). However, the BBC reported that Facebook found only a minimal amount of UK-related activity from Russian groups, indicating that while there was some interference, it may not have been as extensive as suggested (BBC).

Moreover, the Oxford Internet Institute notes that while there is a consensus on the existence of Russian social media activity, the direct impact on the referendum's outcome is still debated (Oxford Internet Institute). This critical assessment is echoed by other studies that caution against attributing the referendum's result solely to foreign interference, suggesting that domestic factors also played a significant role (ResearchGate, CSIS).

The reliability of the sources varies; the New York Times and Wired are reputable news organizations with a history of investigative journalism, while the BBC is a well-respected public broadcaster. In contrast, some academic sources may have biases based on their institutional affiliations or the political leanings of their authors.

Conclusion

The claim that Russian influence and social media played a significant role in shaping the Brexit vote is Partially True. While there is credible evidence of Russian social media activity aimed at influencing public opinion, the extent to which this interference affected the actual voting behavior remains uncertain. The interplay of domestic political sentiments and external influences complicates the narrative, suggesting that while Russian meddling was a factor, it was not the sole reason for the referendum's outcome.