War Online: How social media shapes our news

October 7th, 2023 — as the world looked on in horror as Hamas launched their devastating attack on Israel, a new battlefield emerged: the digital battlefield. At times, it can seem just as intense as the physical one. Social media platforms were flooded with claims, counterclaims, and graphic visuals, leaving millions worldwide to filter through the surge of information to find the truth. The 2023 Israel-Hamas war emphasized how digital media has transformed not only how we consume news but also how we decide what to trust. Algorithms, misinformation, and the emotional weight of content in conflict zones shaped perceptions of the war, often with deep consequences.

Social media platforms wield massive influence over what news reaches their users and society as a whole. These platforms mainly rely on algorithms to prioritize content, and these algorithms reward engagement, such as likes, shares, and comments, over accuracy, which often means emotionally charged or polarizing posts dominate feeds.

People supporting each side of the conflict used social media during the war to rally support and spread their narratives. For instance, an AI-generated image with the phrase “All Eyes on Rafah” received millions of shares and reposts. Algorithms boosted this content based on its ability to provoke reactions, but oftentimes without verifying its context or authenticity. In some cases, old footage from previous conflicts was misrepresented as current, misleading viewers and fueling further division.

Misinformation spreads rapidly in times of crisis, and this war is no exception. False claims about ceasefires, casualty figures, and the origins of attacks, such as the Al-Ahli Hospital incident, which the media initially blamed on Israel, but a later investigation determined it was caused by a misfired Hamas rocket. Such misinformation spreads swiftly, often outpacing corrections by credible news outlets. 

One example was a viral claim about a humanitarian corridor agreement that turned out to be false. The misinformation not only misled civilians in Gaza and Israel but also complicated international aid efforts. Such instances reveal how digital platforms can unintentionally exacerbate the human cost of war.

In a conflict as emotionally charged as the 2023 Israel-Hamas war, visuals played a critical role in shaping narratives. Graphic images of destruction, injured civilians, and mourning families elicited strong emotional responses. However, the authenticity of these images was not always apparent, and high-quality production often lent credibility to unverified sources.

For example, AI-generated images and manipulated videos circulated widely during the conflict. A fake video claiming to show a dead Gazan child went viral before being debunked. Yet, the damage was already done; many had accepted it as truth, and its emotional impact lingered long after the correction.

Social media influencers and citizen journalists were at the forefront of reporting on the 2023 conflict. While their work provided on-the-ground perspectives often missing from traditional media, it also came with risks. Many influencers, driven by personal biases or the need for virality, spread unverified or one-sided accounts. One prominent influencer with millions of followers shared an emotional video criticizing international responses to the conflict, which later contained outdated footage. While their intentions may have been genuine, the lack of verification contributed to the spread of misinformation, shaping public opinion in ways that traditional journalists typically strive to avoid.

The lessons from the 2023 Israel-Hamas war highlight the urgent need for media literacy and platform accountability. In moments of crisis, consumers must critically evaluate the information they encounter, questioning sources, assessing intent, and verifying claims before sharing them. Misinformation, often amplified by the speed and reach of social media platforms, can escalate tensions, distort public understanding, and erode trust in reliable institutions.

Media literacy programs, like those already implemented in countries such as Finland, can empower individuals to navigate the complexities of digital information. Meanwhile, social media platforms must take greater responsibility by enhancing content moderation, flagging unverified posts, and reducing the reach of harmful misinformation.

The 2023 Israel-Hamas war revealed the dual-edged nature of digital media in modern conflict. While it has allowed almost unfiltered access to information, it has also made trust in news more precarious than ever. Algorithms, misinformation, and emotionally charged content demand that we, as consumers, become more discerning in our engagement with digital news. The consequences will extend beyond the screen if we fail to recognize this.