Background: The weaponization of health misinformation in the digital age presents an emerging threat to public health, social stability, and national security. This study examines the mechanisms, impacts, and countermeasures related to health misinformation as a tool of psychological warfare in the cyber domain. Methods: A mixed-methods approach combined systematic literature review with survey data (n = 1921) from diverse healthcare professionals and general population respondents. Literature analysis synthesized recent research in social media analytics, network theory, and public health communication. Survey data examined misinformation impact across professional backgrounds and training levels. Results: Literature findings reveal sophisticated state-sponsored health misinformation campaigns utilizing social bots, troll farms, and coordinated inauthentic behavior. Survey results showed 51% of respondents reported behavioral changes due to misinformation, with significant variation by profession and training (χ2 = 17.35, p = 0.0001). Conclusion: Training in critical information evaluation significantly impacts misinformation resilience. Combating weaponized health misinformation requires a multifaceted approach combining technological solutions, professional training programs, and public education initiatives. Professional background and specialized training emerge as key protective factors against misinformation impact. Implications: Findings highlight urgent needs for targeted interventions, particularly for populations without formal health information evaluation training. Results underscore the importance of professional development programs and the critical role of health communicators in developing strategies to counteract health information weaponization in the cyber domain.

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Psychological Warfare in the Digital Age: Using Health Misinformation as a Cyber Weapon

  • Dominic Etli,
  • Noel True

摘要

Background: The weaponization of health misinformation in the digital age presents an emerging threat to public health, social stability, and national security. This study examines the mechanisms, impacts, and countermeasures related to health misinformation as a tool of psychological warfare in the cyber domain. Methods: A mixed-methods approach combined systematic literature review with survey data (n = 1921) from diverse healthcare professionals and general population respondents. Literature analysis synthesized recent research in social media analytics, network theory, and public health communication. Survey data examined misinformation impact across professional backgrounds and training levels. Results: Literature findings reveal sophisticated state-sponsored health misinformation campaigns utilizing social bots, troll farms, and coordinated inauthentic behavior. Survey results showed 51% of respondents reported behavioral changes due to misinformation, with significant variation by profession and training (χ2 = 17.35, p = 0.0001). Conclusion: Training in critical information evaluation significantly impacts misinformation resilience. Combating weaponized health misinformation requires a multifaceted approach combining technological solutions, professional training programs, and public education initiatives. Professional background and specialized training emerge as key protective factors against misinformation impact. Implications: Findings highlight urgent needs for targeted interventions, particularly for populations without formal health information evaluation training. Results underscore the importance of professional development programs and the critical role of health communicators in developing strategies to counteract health information weaponization in the cyber domain.