Criminogenic potential of the mass media: manipulation, disinformation and propaganda

Subject of research: the criminogenic influence of the mass media, implemented through the interconnected mechanisms of public consciousness manipulation, disinformation dissemination, and propaganda activities.

Purpose of research: to identify and analyze the specifics and mechanisms of the «manipulation – disinformation – propaganda» triad on the deformation of the society’s value-normative system, the provocation of unlawful behavior, and the creation of systemic threats to law and order in the digital age.

Methods and objects of research: the study is based on methods of theoretical analysis (criminological, sociological, and media studies), as well as the analysis of specific examples from the contemporary media environment. The object of the research is the activity of mass media and digital platforms possessing criminogenic potential.

Research findings: it is established that manipulation, disinformation, and propaganda from an escalating circuit of negative influence, where manipulation creates cognitive dependence of the audience, disinformation acts as a direct catalyst for unlawful actions, and propaganda reinforces deviant models in the public consciousness. It is proven that in the digital era, the destructive potential of this triad is multiplied due to artificial intelligence technologies (deepfakes), the speed, and algorithmic nature of information dissemination, which generates new complex threats requiring adequate countermeasures at the level of legislation and the development of public media literacy.