Concerns about misinformation on social media are growing worldwide. Finland joined NATO following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Prior to NATO’s 2023 accession date, a series of posts were posted by social media accounts posing as Finnish. The aim of these posts was to sway public opinion against NATO membership. These posts were automated and spread by “bots” by a suspected pro-Russian organization. These “bots” disguised as real authorities and media outlets were intended to divide Finnish public opinion. Posts suspected of Russian involvement became more prominent around 2014, following the annexation of Crimea, Ukraine.
In Europe, there is a growing sense of crisis over Russian military aggression. This began with Russia’s invasion of eastern Ukraine in 2014. This invasion forced NATO to return to its Cold War-era policy of “defending the territory and population of member states.” Lithuania, which borders a Russian exclave, has demonstrated its willingness to fight against invaders. If Lithuania strengthens its defensive capabilities, Russia will demonstrate its offensive capabilities. When NATO German troops are stationed in Lithuania, Russian media launches a hybrid war. Russia spreads false information claiming that German soldiers raped a Lithuanian girl. Russia’s rape reports are a classic hybrid warfare tactic. Russia’s insidious and clever propaganda attempts to sow suspicions about the separation of the Lithuanian people and the German military. However, the presence of German NATO troops in Lithuania provides a significant guarantee for the country.
Amid growing concerns about false information on social media, countermeasures are gradually being implemented. Finland is said to have the world’s highest media literacy among its citizens. Incidentally, Japan ranks 22nd out of 47 countries in media literacy. Media literacy refers to the ability to assess the credibility of news reports and use information appropriately. Media literacy education in Finland has been incorporated into the national curriculum since the 1970s. Primary and secondary schools offer classes that teach students to verify the usefulness of information sources and analyze the influence of the media. Finland’s media literacy education emphasizes educating students on the “ability to resist deception.” Specifically, it delves deeply into questions such as “Where was the article published?”, “What viewpoints were emphasized or omitted in the article?”, and “Who benefits from the spread of information?” Finland has a history of fighting propaganda and disinformation from Russia, which shares a border with the country over 1,300 kilometers away.
