ISD’s Moustafa Ayad speaks to NBC News about the spread of conspiracy theories during crises

In a recent NBC News article, ISD’s Moustafa Ayad discussed how Russia’s amplification of conspiracy theories surrounding the L.A. protests follows a familiar playbook. 

“We have a crisis or a conflict point that is occurring, and there are numerous narratives that are being spread online that the government is somehow involved in the protests, paying protesters, or this is a deep-state plot against the United States by the CIA and other government actors,” Moustafa said. 

Moustafa explained how both sides of the political aisle are amplifying these protests—albeit in very distinct ways.  

“It’s a bit like being on a seesaw, just gyrating between those two things,” Moustafa said. “Sadly, there’s this giant reinforcing loop that just builds further steam as the protests continue day to day.” 

You can read the full article on NBC News.