Experts warn: Pro-Russian disinformation is becoming increasingly common in Finland
In Finland, increasing attention has recently been paid to fake news and disinformation. According to experts, there are several websites operating in our country that spread pro-Russian propaganda. The goal of these sites is often to influence the opinions of Finns and undermine trust in social institutions.
According to research, well-known examples of such sites include MV-lehti, Uusi Verkkomedia, Naapuriseura, and Magneettimedia. These sites often use a news format, but their content does not meet the requirements of traditional journalism. They publish false information designed to evoke strong emotions, such as fear or anger.
The spread of disinformation is part of a broader phenomenon aimed at influencing the internal stability of Western countries. Social media makes it easy to share false information, as news spreads quickly among users. It is therefore important for readers to be critical of all information they see online, especially if the source of the news is unclear or unknown.
Media literacy is the best way to protect oneself from disinformation. Experts recommend that readers always verify information from multiple reliable sources before sharing it. Reliable sources include, for example, traditional Finnish news media that follow journalistic guidelines and take responsibility for the content they publish.