SOCIAL MEDIA ALGORITHMS AND THEIR IMPACT ON POLITICAL DISINFORMATION AND MISINFORMATION

Abstract

social media has become a primary source of information for millions in Pakistan, especially regarding political developments. This study explores how social media algorithms contribute to the spread of political disinformation and misinformation in Pakistan, examining their role in shaping public opinion and influencing political Communication. The objectives of this research are to analyze the algorithmic mechanisms that prioritize certain types of political content, to assess their role in amplifying false or misleading information, and to understand the impact of this spread on Pakistani society. Using a mixed-methods approach, this study combines quantitative analysis of social media engagement data with qualitative interviews of social media users, political analysts, and technology experts in Pakistan. The findings reveal that algorithms on these platforms tend to prioritize sensational, polarizing, and engagement-heavy content, inadvertently creating fertile ground for the spread of political disinformation. Political actors and other interest groups exploit these algorithms by disseminating manipulated information to target specific demographic groups.