Moldova: Defeating “Evil Trolls” Online
Young Moldovan influencers are using satire and storytelling to fight fake news online.
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Welcome to IWPR’s Frontline Update, your go-to source to hear from journalists and local voices at the front lines of conflict.
THE BIG PICTURE
Ahead of crucial parliamentary elections next month - and as Russia continues its hybrid escalation amid the war in neighbouring Ukraine - Moldova faces an onslaught of interference attempting to divert it from its democratic path.
But young influencers are fighting back, combining satire, storytelling and fact-checking in online content aimed at keeping Moldova’s digital space resilient and engaging.
VOICES FROM THE FRONTLINE
“With elections approaching, we are seeing manipulation in politics and community discussions,” said Liuba Bejenari, a graduate of an IWPR project that trained young online influencers to create viral content that challenges foreign information manipulation.
Led by the Moldova School of Journalism, participants spent three months learning from some of Moldova’s top media experts, producing more than 50 humourous, thought-provoking videos that encourage critical thinking.
“This project is not just about content,” said Alex Ghetan, one of the trainers. “It’s about how to fight disinformation and develop critical thinking among youth.”
“I learned how to mix humour with serious messaging, how to get closer to the audience, how to communicate important ideas, in a relevant way,” added content creator Sanda Boiarinov, whose video poked fun at “evil trolls” online.
WHY IT MATTERS
Addressing the vulnerability of Moldova’s information landscape to disinformation, malign influences, and hostile interference is key to protecting its democratic future.
IWPR Moldova project manager Lara Moraru explained that more transparent and rapid collaboration between civil society, local journalists and the authorities was vital to reinforce Moldova’s ability to respond to hybrid threats.
She highlighted another project that trained organisations linked to IWPR’s Independent Countering Disinformation Centre (ICDC) to spot, stop and respond to false narratives before they spread.
“The programme brings together partners working on disinformation-related initiatives, offering them the opportunity to collaborate, share experiences, and strengthen societal resilience against disinformation and propaganda,” Moraru said.
THE BOTTOM LINE
IWPR is reaching a wide spectrum of young people, local communities, media and civil society to ensure Moldova is better prepared to face evolving challenges and safeguard its future.
“Resilience isn’t a fixed outcome,” noted Veronica Boboc, executive director of the Youth Media Center, an IWPR partner and ICDC member. “It’s a continuous process that we strengthen through dialogue and community.”
DISCLAIMER – The events and projects presented above have been implemented with financial support from Norway. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of IWPR and ICDC members and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the Government of Norway.
