Mariupol's Muzzled Voices: Russia's Social Media Campaign to Control the Narrative

Mariupol's Muzzled Voices: How Russia Uses Social Media to Control the Narrative. Three years after the brutal 86-day siege of Mariupol, Russia's grip on the Ukrainian port city continues. But now, a more subtle form of control is at play: social media manipulation. CNN's investigation uncovered evidence of a systematic effort to shape public perception using local influencers, including school children, trained in state-sponsored media programs. These programs aim to portray a positive image of life under Russian occupation, thereby erasing the memory of the siege and legitimizing Russia's control. "Russia is trying to erase that memory and legitimize its occupation," said Clare Sebastian, CNN correspondent. The investigation revealed the existence of "blogger schools" with direct ties to the Russian state. These schools provide training and resources to residents, encouraging them to create social media content that emphasizes the city's reconstruction and revival. One video featured on TikTok shows a young woman enthusiastically describing Mariupol as a thriving Russian city. This contrasts sharply with the reality experienced by many residents. The CNN report raises serious concerns about the use of propaganda and manipulation in occupied territories. The full report provides further details on Ukraine's perspective on this issue, highlighting the ongoing struggle for truth and information in the war-torn region. The resilience of the Ukrainian people, despite Russia's attempts to control the narrative, remains a powerful symbol of their determination.