Propaganda and the Internet

This work summarizes research conducted in the type and frequency of propaganda techniques utilized on the Internet.

The fundamental baseline from which research underwent operation was in accordance with the "Seven Propaganda Devices" as established by Alfred and Elizabeth Lee. The devices, Names Calling, Glittering Generality, Transfer, Testimonial, Card Stacking, Plain Folk, and Band Wagon, were published in 1937 by the Lees in response to a multitude of propaganda originating out of Europe just prior to World War II. These techniques for the propagation of disinformation are as relevant today, if not more, as they were during the 1930s and 1940s. Employing a print journalist representative sample by way of a survey instrument, data collected disclosed that although all of the propaganda devices were practiced on the Internet, three techniques stood out as the predominant forms, or styles, for disinformation messaging.

 Dr. James E. Fischer is a retired United States Army Officer who served as a Communications Security (COMSEC) specialist with the Army Security Agency (ASA) in Europe, East Asia, and the continental United States. He is a member of the National Military Intelligence Association (NMIA) and of the Association For Intelligence Officers (AFIO). He received two MAs: one in the study of Unconventional Warfare methodologies, the other in Strategic Intelligence, from the American Military University (AMU). He received an MBA in Management Information Systems from Northcentral University (NCU), where he subsequently received his Ph.D. in Business Administration.