What happens when millions of tweets blur the line between fact and fiction? Researchers studying the Ukraine war coined a new term: Bullshint. It describes the mix of genuine OSINT and noise that clouds online narratives.
The Study
An academic team analyzed 2 million tweets, mapping clusters of real OSINT, disinformation, partisan commentary, and automated amplification. (arXiv)
What They Found
- Genuine OSINT often got drowned out.
- Bot networks amplified disinfo.
- Neutral users struggled to separate signal from noise.
The OSINT Dilemma
How can analysts ensure credible findings when the stream is polluted? Tools like network mapping and media verification are critical. But will the public always listen?
The Ukraine information war proves that truth isn’t always louder. OSINT’s role is to cut through “Bullshint”, but it’s a battle of stamina.
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