With the general election just four weeks away, politicians and political parties are scrambling to try and secure our votes.
The influence of dark money, targeted advertising, disinformation and conspiracy theories are making it even more difficult for the public to navigate through the campaigns, and separate truth from fiction.
Some of this is being driven by politicians using the so-called ‘culture war’ to promote falsehoods which can drive wedges between voters and sew division in communities.
But this atmosphere of distrust and disinformation has not come from nowhere. After decades of political scandals trust in politics is at its lowest point for 40 years. Meanwhile there are powerful groups pushing the ‘culture war’ agenda in the UK, many of whom operate behind-the-scenes, influencing political discourse.
The Ferret wants to explore how this is powering the rhetoric and actions of our politicians and parties, look at who is promoting falsehoods or misinformation and the ways in which culture war issues are being used to divide the electorate both in Scotland and across the UK.
So, over the next month and beyond, one key area of interest will be examining the influence of conspiracy theories, disinformation and the culture war on the political discourse.
Our journalists will also be looking at the money that powers our politicians, political parties and their election campaigns. We’ll be revealing some of the organisations and powerful people attempting to use the election to promote falsehoods and mislead people.
There will be data-led investigations looking at how disinformation takes hold, and public tools available so you can do your own digging.
We’ll also have regular fact-checks from Scotland’s only fact-checker, Ferret Fact Service, on claims from politicians trying to win power, explainers on the topics and conspiracies which are coming up throughout the campaign. And every week, we’ll be hosting a quickfire podcast looking at the narratives, stories and claims which are impacting voters.
But we need your help! Have you seen falsehoods or conspiracies being shared by candidates, political parties, or memes widely shared online?
Maybe you’ve had a leaflet through your door or an advert on your social media that seems to be making false claims?
Or maybe you’ve spotted something about an influential group or candidate that you’d like us to investigate?
Get in touch with contact@theferret.scot and we will take a look.
Main image: Kubkoo/iStock
