Characterization of Disinformation Networks Using Graph Embeddings and Opinion Mining

Abstract

Global social media networks' omnipresent access, real time responsiveness and ability to connect with and influence people have been responsible for these networks' sweeping growth. However, as an unintended consequence, these defining characteristics helped create a powerful new technology for spread of propaganda and false information. We present a novel approach for characterizing disinformation networks on social media and distinguishing between different network roles using graph embeddings and hierarchical clustering. In addition, using topic filtering, we correlate the node characterization results with proxy opinion estimates. We plan to study opinion dynamics using signal processing on graphs approaches using longer-timescale social media datasets with the goal to model and infer influence among users in social media networks.