The “dead internet” theory has been gaining popularity in certain circles since around 2016. It is based on the idea that the real internet has ceased to exist, with real users gradually being replaced by bots and algorithms created by corporations or governments. According to this theory, online content has become an illusion — most news, social media posts, and commentary are allegedly generated by artificial intelligence to manipulate public opinion, control the population, or spread disinformation. Accordingly, human users are trapped in closed information zones where they interact with fake bot profiles.

In reality, the Internet is too decentralized for any one government or corporation to fully control it. Millions of users from all over the world create content every day, which is verified by analytics and statistics from social networks and websites. In addition, initiatives such as volunteer movements, mass protests, or information campaigns on social networks are verified by live reports and testimonies of participants. They are the result of real public activity, not the work of bots or algorithms. Social media platforms such as Facebook actively work to detect bots and fake accounts.

Russian disinformation amplifies this theory in order to discredit Western and Ukrainian sources of information. In this way, propagandists promote the idea that international support for Ukraine is the result of bot manipulation, rather than a reflection of real public sentiment. In addition, they try to convince the Ukrainian audience that online activity, including volunteer initiatives, is only part of an information special operation by special services or external actors. The dissemination of such ideas undermines trust in information sources and disorients the population, which is one of the targets of the information war against Ukraine.

Russian propagandists used the flooding in Poland to create anti-Ukrainian sentiment and sow discord between Ukrainians and Poles. One of the main messages was that supporting Ukraine allegedly weakens Poland's ability to help its citizens. Propagandists spread information that Ukrainian refugees received more aid than the affected Poles, which caused negative emotions and fueled discontent. This is written by the Center for Strategic Communications and Information Security.

Examples of manipulations:

Accusations against Ukrainians of looting in areas evacuated due to flooding.

Using fake videos and data from other countries to exaggerate the scale of the disaster.

Manipulation of the numbers of dead and missing in order to distort the real state of affairs.

According to the PAP press agency, from September 13 to 25, 23,000 disinformation messages were recorded online, reaching around eight million users. The campaign also aimed to incite hostility, weaken the strategic alliance between Poland and Ukraine, and undermine unity in confronting Russian aggression. This is part of a broader information war aimed at isolating Ukraine on the international stage and reducing support among key partners. In response, the Polish authorities emphasize the continuation of comprehensive assistance to Ukraine in the fight against the aggressor.

Propagandists are spreading information that a mutiny has occurred in the 116th separate mechanized brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces near Kupiansk. In addition, they claim that the unit has lost its combat capability, as a result of which it was allegedly withdrawn from the combat zone. The enemy's messages say that the military refuses to follow orders, and relatives are raising money for lawyers to help the detained fighters avoid punishment. However, this is fake.

This was reported by specialists from the Center for Countering Disinformation under the National Security and Defense Council. They checked this information among the military command and confirmed that these statements were fictitious. The brigade continues to carry out combat missions in a certain area of responsibility and acts in accordance with orders.

Such information leaks are part of psychological operations aimed at undermining the morale of the military and distrust of the Ukrainian Armed Forces among the population. Their goal is to destabilize the internal front, cause panic, despondency and discredit the Ukrainian army against the backdrop of active military operations. Such campaigns are also designed to exert emotional pressure on the families of the military in order to cause fear and doubt in the effectiveness of the armed forces. The enemy uses disinformation as a weapon to weaken Ukraine's defense, so it is important to trust only verified sources of information.

Russian propagandists are spreading information about the demolition of a monument to UPA soldiers in the Polish village of Werkrata (Subcarpathian Voivodeship) with corresponding photos. However, this is manipulation. This is written by the Center for Counteracting Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council. They found out that in fact this is old news from 2016.

Thus, propagandists try to create the impression that Poland does not support Ukraine, provoking tensions between the nations. Such information attacks are aimed at weakening Polish-Ukrainian relations and inciting national discord, which is part of the strategy of isolating Ukraine. However, Poland continues to support Ukraine in its fight for independence, despite these destructive messages.

The Russian Orthodox Church actively supports Russia's policy, justifies the war against Ukraine and acts as a tool for legitimizing the criminal actions of the occupiers. Statements by church leaders, in particular, comparing the war to “treatment” or “the work of a surgeon”, whitewash aggression and violence. This is what experts from the Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council write.

By comparing war to a healing process, the Russian Orthodox Church seeks to shape the public opinion that war is a “necessary” and “good” act. Patriarch Kirill’s statements that death in war washes away sins, mobilizes society and demoralizes opponents of war, using religious motives. The Russian Orthodox Church’s cooperation with the Russian government provides propaganda cover for war crimes and promotes a narrative about the correctness of the “chosen path”.