Alternative media ecosystem spreads conspiracy theories

Record	OBS-0832
Category	Media/Disinformation
Status	PARTIALLY SUBSTANTIATED
Summary	University of Washington researcher Kate Starbird identified an 'information war' where a network of alternative media websites, including anti-mainstream and Russian propaganda outlets, spread conspiracy theories about events like the Boston bombing.
Origin	Starbird's research began in 2013 and was published in 2017, mapping the spread of conspiracy theories on social media.
Claimed	There is an 'emerging alternative media ecosystem' with political agendas. Websites like VeteransToday.com and BeforeItsNews.com propagate conspiracy theories. Automated bots are used to spread politicized content.
Evidence / consensus	Academic research supports the existence of coordinated networks spreading disinformation, but the extent and impact are debated.

> OBSERVER NOTE:
A legitimate academic finding that has been widely cited in discussions of online disinformation.

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