16.06.2021Digital Journalism: Conceptualizing “Dark Platforms”

A new study by Jing Zeng and Mike Schäfer investigates how COVID-19-related content, especially conspiracy theories, is communicated on “dark platforms”. These platforms are less regulated and moderated, hence can be used for hosting content and content creators that may not be tolerated by their more mainstream counterparts. 

Jing Zeng & Mike S. Schäfer (2021) Conceptualizing “Dark Platforms”. Covid-19-Related Conspiracy Theories on 8kun and Gab. Digital Journalism. doi:10.1080/21670811.2021.1938165 (Link to article)