Degree Name
Master of Science
Graduate Program
Mass Communication and Media Arts
Advisor
Xinle JIa
Abstract
This research paper describes the landscape of disinformation, propaganda and media literacy in Moldova from the perspectives of journalists, higher education and civil society representatives, as well as the general population. In this context, the literature review refers to concepts of media literacy, disinformation, and propaganda, relationship between them, as well as the potential Russian contribution to manipulating public opinion in post-Soviet countries, focusing explicitly on the Moldovan case. To study the specific features of disinformation and propaganda, this paper addresses the following research question: How disinformation, propaganda and media literacy are currently perceived and connected in Moldova? By adopting both quantitative and qualitative methods, this research, based on the critical interpretative approach, as well as inductive and deductive reasoning, proposes to triangulate the findings for a better understanding of the spread of false information and the level of media literacy in Moldova. More specifically, this research project presents data gathered from descriptive internet surveys with general population, content analysis of 14 social media posts, as well as semi structured interviews with journalists, representatives of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and faculty members.The outcome of this paper is to fill a gap in the academic literature about disinformation and propaganda in Moldova and provide relevant recommendations for the responsible actors to reimagine the fight against disinformation and propaganda through the lens of education and a solid partnership.