Recent analyses show that recommendation algorithms of social media platforms play a significant role in the spread of false or misleading information. For example, from the library of Queen’s University you can find many articles about social media and misinformation that shows us that when platforms such as YouTube and Facebook change their algorithmic priorities toward user engagement (e.g., more shares, clicks, time on site),emotional and more extreme content that often has false information tends to spread more quickly.

Or pieces that highlight how algorithms exploit human social-learning processes: when users tend to trust peers or in-group members, the algorithm promotes content that generates strong reactions rather than accuracy. This creates favourable conditions for misinformation to flourish. 

Example: Misinformation about COVID-19 and TikTok’s algorithm role

During the COVID-19 pandemic, TikTok became a key source of both health information and misinformation. Research shows that about one in five COVID-related videos contained false or misleading claims, often about vaccines or treatments.

Because TikTok’s  „for you page” algorithm promotes videos that generate strong reactions, emotional or shocking content, even when false it spreads faster than factual information.

This created echochambers, where users repeatedly encounter similar misleading videos, reinforcing existing beliefs.

In the digital era, information equals power.

Algorithms are not neutral, they shape what societies believe and how nations respond to crises.

Understanding their role in spreading misinformation, especially in turbulent times such as  COVID-19, is essential for protecting truth, and global trust.

Sources:

https://queens.summon.serialssolutions.com/#!/search?pn=1&ho=t&include.ft.matches=f&l=en&q=user%20engagement%20emotional%20content%20spreads 

https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=527643 

Confederation Liberty and Independence is a right-wing populist political alliance in Poland, founded on 6 December 2018, known for combining economic liberalism, nationalism, social conservatism, and Euroscepticism.

Recent political surveys in Poland show that the right-wing populist party Konfederacja (Confederation Liberty and Independence) continues to gain influence and could play a key role in national politics. According to a May 2025 poll, Konfederacja was polling at around 13 % of the vote, significantly higher than in the 2023 parliamentary elections, and this level of support could make it a kingmaker alongside Law and Justice (PiS) — potentially enabling a PiS-Konfederacja majority in the Sejm if they formed a coalition. 

Among its key proposals are drastic tax reductions, including eliminating personal income tax and lowering gasoline taxes, making social insurance contributions voluntary and opposing refugee resettlement and increased immigration. The party also supports expanded access to firearms for licensed civilians and opposition to EU climate rules and resettlement programs.

Konfederacja is often described as populist because it frames these policies as defending “ordinary citizens” against political elites and bureaucratic burdens, especially focusing on tax relief and reduced state intervention while criticizing mainstream parties and supranational institutions like the EU.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confederation_Liberty_and_Independence?utm

https://pressto.amu.edu.pl/index.php/pp/article/view/46737

Political polarization in Poland remains strong, as deep divisions continue between supporters of the liberal-centrist government led by Donald Tusk and voters aligned with the conservative Law and Justice (PiS) camp. Analysts note that Polish politics is increasingly structured around two opposing camps with sharply different views on democracy, the rule of law, relations with the European Union, and cultural values.

According to observers, polarization intensified after PiS lost power in the 2023 parliamentary elections, with disputes over judicial reforms, public media control, and accountability for past governance becoming focal points of political conflict. Both sides portray the other as a threat to democracy, reinforcing “us versus them” narratives that limit compromise and fuel social tension.

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12286-025-00630-5

Recent research shows that negative sentiment between Democrats and Republicans has grown significantly over the past decades, making the U.S. one of the most politically polarized democracies in the world. This heightened divide affects not only policy disagreements but also social relationships, media consumption, and trust in institutions, as each side increasingly views the other as a threat rather than just opponent.

Here are few facts about political polarization in the America:

-Most Americans believe the two main parties no longer agree on basic facts.

According to the Pew Research Center, around eight in ten U.S. adults say that Republican and Democratic voters today not only differ on policy but also cannot agree on basic facts about issues. 

-Trust in government is extremely low and deeply divided by party.

Only about 16 % of Americans say they trust the federal government to do the right thing most or all of the time, one of the lowest levels in over 70 years of polling. Trust also varies sharply by party affiliation.

-Public debate is seen as increasingly disrespectful and less fact-based.

Large majorities of U.S. adults say that political debate has become less respectful and less fact-based over recent years, a key indicator of polarization in public discourse.

https://www.pewresearch.org/topic/politics-policy/political-parties-polarization/political-polarization/?utm

https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2023/09/19/views-of-the-u-s-political-system-the-federal-government-and-federal-state-relations/?utm

https://www.pew.org/en/trend/archive/fall-2024/americans-deepening-mistrust-of-institutions?utm

In India, there is a major debate about the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists. This process asks citizens to update their documents to stay on the electoral rolls before elections. Critics say that this could stop millions of people from voting, especially in Bihar, where the revision started before the 2025 state elections. People worry that strict document requirements, short notice, and tight timelines may exclude voters and hurt the democratic process.

Opposition leaders, like Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, have called the SIR process a threat to democracy, saying it could unfairly remove voters from the rolls. Civil groups, including the Association for Democratic Reforms, have also taken the issue to the Supreme Court, arguing that the SIR could wrongly remove voters and make elections less fair. The government and Election Commission say the process is legal and necessary to remove duplicate or wrong entries from voter lists. This has sparked a debate between making elections accurate and making sure everyone can vote.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_Bihar_Legislative_Assembly_election

https://www.business-standard.com/elections/bihar-elections/rahul-gandhi-bihar-voter-list-ec-warning-sir-revision-opposition-protest-125072401050_1.html

Recent polls show that Euroskepticism in Poland is increasing, with more citizens expressing skepticism about the European Union and even support for the idea of Poland leaving the EU. According to a December 2025 international survey, about 25 % of Poles said they would support “Polexit".  Support for "Polexit", meaning Poland leaving the European Union is at its highest level since the country joined the EU in 2004. At the same time support for remaining in the EU has fallen from earlier years reflecting growing doubts among parts of the population about EU membership.

Also the election of Euroskeptic-leaning President Karol Nawrocki in 2025 was seen by some commentators as a setback for Poland’s traditionally pro-European orientation and has intensified discussion about the country’s future role in the EU.

https://brusselssignal.eu/2025/12/support-for-eu-polexit-at-historic-high-latest-opinion-poll-shows