BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//EuroSEAS 2024//EN X-WR-CALNAME:EuroSEAS 2024 BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Europe/Amsterdam X-LIC-LOCATION:Europe/Amsterdam BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0200 DTSTART:19700329T020000 RRULE:FREQ=YEARLY;BYMONTH=3;BYDAY=-1SU END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0200 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 DTSTART:19701025T030000 RRULE:FREQ=YEARLY;BYMONTH=10;BYDAY=-1SU END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20240919T033200 UID:euroseas-2024-disinformation-dynamics-in-southeast-asia-unravelling-ripple-effects-fragmentation-challenges-and-safeguarding-vulnerable-commun SUMMARY:Disinformation Dynamics in Southeast Asia: Unravelling Ripple Effects, Fragmentation Challenges, and Safeguarding Vulnerable Communities LOCATION:REC A2.14 DESCRIPTION:In an era dominated by massive information flow and where a few countries experienced democracy setbacks, disinformation has evolved into a pervasive force, shaping narratives and affecting communities globally. R ecent examples of disinformation campaigns aimed at undermining democracy a nd social cohesion in Southeast Asian countries like the Philippines, Myanm ar, and Indonesia highlight the urgent need to address this issue in the re gion. This panel welcomes comparative perspectives and contributions from a cross Southeast Asia as we delve into the multifaceted challenges of disinf ormation, particularly within the region, where diverse political and econo mic interests, cultures, languages, and socioeconomic landscapes create an intricate tapestry of vulnerabilities.\n\nA poignant aspect of this discuss ion centers on vulnerable groups. We define vulnerabilities in this context as susceptibility to manipulation from disinformation, with examples inclu ding ethnic and religious minorities, marginalized communities, women, and groups targeted based on political affiliation. Vulnerable groups are likel y to have limited access to technology, education, economic resources, or p olitical influence, making them more prone to the divisive consequences of misleading narratives. This panel critically assesses the impact of mislead ing narratives on these vulnerable groups, shedding light on the potential for social harm and the urgency of implementing safeguards to protect those most at risk.\n\nThe first facet of this exploration revolves around the r ipple effects of disinformation. Disseminated through various channels, mis leading narratives have the potential to fracture societal cohesion, amplif y existing divisions, and even create or exacerbate existing conflict. This panel also seeks to unravel the complexities of disinformation’s imp act, tracing its intricate pathways as it navigates through the region̵ 7;s rich tapestry of cultures and societies. Analysis of intersectional act ors, motivation, strategies, narratives, and donors of the politicization o f disinformation is part of the observation. Understanding the dynamics of this ripple effect is also crucial for developing effective strategies to c ounteract its divisive influence and impact.\n\nFragmentation emerges as a central theme in this discourse. The diverse array of languages, ethnicitie s, and socio-political landscapes across Southeast Asia provides fertile gr ound for the cultivation of disinformation. As communities become isolated within echo chambers of misleading information, fostering a shared understa nding becomes increasingly daunting. This panel will also examine the mecha nisms through which disinformation contributes to fragmentation and explore potential interventions to mitigate its divisive consequences.\n\nNavigati ng through this landscape of disinformation requires a nuanced and region-s pecific approach. By contextualizing the challenges within the unique dynam ics of Southeast Asia, this panel aims to contribute to a deeper understand ing of the complexities at play. It calls for collaborative efforts between policymakers, media, and civil society to develop tailored strategies that address disinformation’s immediate threats and foster community resi lience. URL:https://euroseas2024.org/panels/disinformation-dynamics-in-southeast-asia-unravelling-ripple-effects-fragmentation-challenges-and-safeguarding-vulnerable-commun DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20240723T113000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20240723T130000 END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR