Politics

Lies and propaganda on social media now shape global opinion

As darkness descended last Sunday, an inferno seriously damaged the Greenisland Church of Ireland building and completely destroyed the parish hall. Police and firefighters quickly declared it a suspected arson, adding to the sadness of those who’d celebrated, mourned and worshipped in a church which had just marked its 70th anniversary. This was a tragedy for the church, and for the community in whose heart it lies in this commuter village on the northern shores of Belfast Lough.

We’ve handed power over mass communication to Elon Musk of X As darkness descended last Sunday, an inferno seriously damaged the Greenisland Church of Ireland building and completely destroyed the parish hall. Police and firefighters quickly declared it a suspected arson, adding to the sadness of those who’d celebrated, mourned and worshipped in a church which had just marked its 70th anniversary. This was a tragedy for the church, and for the community in whose heart it lies in this commuter village on the northern shores of Belfast Lough.

But for others, it was an opportunity. What happened in the hours after the fire began is a case study in how deceitful propagandists now shape global opinion. Join the Irish Independent WhatsApp channel Stay up to date with all the latest news.