Populism thrives on simple messages in complex times. Political scientist Andreas Klee explains to Sophie Hecker and Nike Tecklenborg why populist strategies—provocative, oversimplified, and emotionally affirming—resonate so strongly, and what they mean for the future of democracy. The Definition of Populist Communication Tecklenborg: Let’s start with a basic question: What are typical features of populist…
A network of websites is spreading AI-generated clickbait in many languages. It looks like harmless entertainment but often includes unverified health tips and misleading content. Linked to domains in Russia and admins in Armenia, this network uses AI and anonymity to quietly misinform people across countries. As part of our investigation into inauthentic networks in…
Even though the pandemic is over, coordinated networks of Facebook pages and websites continue to exploit people’s health fears to drive traffic and generate revenue. Modern digital platforms enable groups to build networks of websites and Facebook pages that look independent but work together. These networks may have various goals – from political influence to…
When it’s election time, the internet suddenly feels like a marketplace full of voices – loud, excited, and contradictory. During the German federal elections in February 2025 we experienced how difficult it is to keep track. Between loud promises and emotional appeals, facts quickly become blurred. In this blog post, we take a closer look:…
The world is increasingly plagued by extreme weather events like heatwaves and floods. But how can we be sure that the information we receive about these events is truly accurate? In an era where misinformation and fake news are widespread on social media, the question arises: Can an ordinary citizen distinguish reliable facts from false…
Electromobility is at the heart of the debate on sustainable transportation, bringing with it a range of opportunities, challenges, and open questions. While some view it as a key lever in combating climate change, others question its actual sustainability. Electromobility plays a central role in European climate and transport policy and is seen as an…
“Without the many shifts in a café in Germany, I would never have been able to afford my Erasmus semester here”. Lisa Obst, Erasmus student in Barcelona, explains what many young people in Europe are currently experiencing: Housing is becoming a luxury good. And hers is not an isolated case. Rising rents are not just…
On February 9, 2025, the pro-European news platform Other Europe posted on social media platform X that Tesla sales in the European Union had declined by 63%. This was accompanied with claims of an European boycott. But is it true? And how can we fact-check a global tech giant that doesn’t answer questions? Our first…
Verifying numerical data is a significant challenge for many people. It requires time and effort, which are often in short supply in everyday life. Especially in areas that are outside one’s personal expertise, there is a tendency to trust the accuracy of media reports – often without questioning whether a so-called fact-check is actually correct.…
Germany’s Self-Determination Act is an example for the increase in visibility and discussion surrounding transgender identity within the EU. However, discrimination against transgender individuals persists, highlighting the ongoing need for greater acceptance and equality. To address misconceptions surrounding trans identity, we explore common myths with insights from experts and those directly affected. The topic Transidentity…