Surpanakha Chronicles : How to Identify Propaganda in Social Media Posts

Parable: The Whisperer’s End

Once in a dense forest where truth and illusion walked side by side, lived a cunning spirit named Surpanakha.

She was not what she seemed — her form ever-changing, her words dipped in honey and poison alike.

She wore masks of charm, but beneath them lurked a devil.

One day, she saw a noble traveler named Rayan, known for his calm strength and unwavering mind.

Surpanakha was drawn to him—not by love, but by the hunger to control, to be admired, to be followed.

She approached him in disguise—soft voice, graceful steps, flattery flowing like a river. Her charm was calculated. Her smile was too sharp.

But Rayan paused.

He didn’t follow flattery. He followed the truth.

Her compliments seemed rehearsed. Her eyes searched too much. Her timing—suspicious.

Surpanakha, sensing rejection, changed tactics.

She began to whisper.

“Rayan is not noble,” she told the trees.
“He humiliates women,” she said to the winds.
“He hides cruelty behind silence,” she planted in curious minds.

Her words spread like wildfire—shared by creatures who never questioned, repeated by those who didn’t know the source.

And then, she created the perfect illusion.

She transformed into a golden deer—glowing, delicate, breathtaking.

The forest froze. “Look!” they said. “Chase it!” they begged.

But Rayan stood still. He stepped closer. He asked questions.

He looked again. And the glow cracked.

The golden deer flickered, then vanished, revealing Surpanakha—the devil in disguise, exposed by her own illusion.

The forest fell silent. The lies no longer stuck.

Her voice—once spread like wildfire—held no power.

As a mark of truth reclaiming space, her nose, a symbol of her deception and pride, was cut off.

Her whispers no longer echoed. The forest moved on.

Just like Surpanakha’s glittering lie, today’s propaganda often comes dressed in beauty—viral posts, emotional stories, eye-catching claims. It pulls your focus, twists your thinking, and hopes you won’t stop to look twice.

But you’re not just a scroller. This article will bring out your inner digital detective.

Why decode Propaganda?

We all scroll through social media. It feels easy, right? But online, things aren’t always real. Hidden messages and tricky stuff are everywhere. Think of yourself as a detective. It helps you see past the surface.

Ever see a post and suddenly feel angry or scared, but you’re not sure why? You might have just bumped into something called propaganda. Sometimes a post just feels… off. It might make your stomach tight or your heart race. Even if the facts aren’t clear, that confusing feeling is often the first sign something is trying to play with your feelings.

What Is Propaganda?

Simply put, propaganda is information that isn’t fair or true. It’s shared to make you think or act a certain way. It’s not about facts; it’s about pushing a specific idea or plan. You see it in political ads, quick rumors, or even funny pictures and videos online.

Social algorithms show you more of what you like or react to. Posts that stir up strong feelings, like anger or fear, get shared a lot. Plus, you often see things that match what you already believe. This creates “echo chambers” where the same, sometimes wrong, ideas bounce around.

Why This Matters to You

Learning to spot propaganda helps you make your own choices. It stops others from tricking you into believing things that aren’t true or acting in ways that could harm you or others. It helps protect your friendships, family chats, and your online community from being pulled apart by false information. It’s about keeping your mind clear and your connections healthy.

Understanding the Propaganda Game

To be a good digital detective, you need to know how the propaganda game is played. Understanding why and how misleading information spreads helps you spot it faster.

What Drives Propaganda?

There are clear reasons why people create and share propaganda. It’s not random; it serves a purpose for those spreading it.

Motives: Political power, money or chaos

People spread propaganda for different main reasons. Some want political power or to make their side look good and the other side look bad. Others do it for money; more clicks and shares mean more ad revenue. Sometimes, the goal is simply to cause confusion and make people distrust everything.

How Propaganda Spreads

People share because of emotions, loyalty, or honest mistakes.

Propaganda spreads because people share it. Strong feelings like anger or shock make people click and share quickly without thinking. People also share things to show they belong to a group or agree with friends and family. Sometimes, people share false information simply because they believe it’s true and want to inform others – this is an honest mistake.

Disinformation vs. Misinformation

It’s helpful to know the difference between information that is wrong on purpose and information that is wrong by accident. Disinformation: Deliberate lies (e.g., a fake “news” video to trick you). Disinformation is when someone knowingly creates and shares false information to fool people. An example is making a video that looks like real news but is completely fake, designed to spread a lie about someone or something.

Misinformation: Honest errors shared unknowingly

Misinformation is when someone shares information that is wrong, but they don’t know it’s wrong. They aren’t trying to trick anyone. For example, a friend might share a post about a natural health remedy that doesn’t actually work, truly believing it can help people.

Why We Fall for Propaganda

Even smart people can fall for propaganda. There are simple reasons based on how our brains work and how social media is built.

Confirmation Bias: We love posts that match our beliefs.

Our brains naturally prefer information that agrees with what we already think. This is called confirmation bias. If a post supports our existing views, we are more likely to believe it and share it, even if it’s not true.

Emotional Triggers: Anger, fear, or pride make us skip fact-checking.

Propaganda often uses strong emotions like anger, fear, excitement, or pride. When we feel these emotions strongly, we are less likely to stop and check if the information is true. We react based on feeling, not facts.

Filter Bubbles: Algorithms hide opposing views, trapping us in echo chambers.

Social media algorithms show us content they think we want to see. This can create a “filter bubble” where we mostly see things that confirm our views and rarely see different perspectives. This traps us in echo chambers where false information that fits the group’s beliefs can spread easily without challenge.

Quick Tip: Next time a post feels too perfect for your worldview, pause—it might be playing you.

If you see something online that fits exactly with what you already believe, and it makes you feel strongly, take an extra second before reacting. Ask yourself why it feels so right. It could be designed specifically to appeal to your biases.

Core Propaganda Techniques: Spot Them in Action

Propaganda uses common tricks to get you to believe things or take action. Learning these techniques and where to look on different social media platforms will sharpen your detective skills. Each method has tell-tale signs if you know what to look for.

1. Bandwagon

This technique tries to make you join in because “everyone else is doing it.” It plays on your desire to fit in or not be left out.

What It Looks Like: “Everyone’s joining this movement!” (Twitter hashtag storm).

You see lots of posts saying many people support an idea or action. A flood of tweets using the same urgent hashtag is a classic example.

How to Spot: Vague “millions agree” claims.

Be wary of posts that claim huge numbers of people support something but give no real proof. Look for phrases like “everyone knows” or “the majority wants.”

Instagram: Check carousel comments—real people or generic bots?

On a post with multiple images (carousel), look at the comments. Are they specific and from real-looking profiles, or are they all the same generic phrases from accounts with few followers?

TikTok: Search the sound—how many use it? Are they legit accounts?

If a video uses a popular sound, check how many other videos use it. Then, look at some of the profiles using it. Do they seem like real people, or are they fake accounts created recently?

Twitter: Click hashtag—see who’s posting (new accounts?).

When you see a trending hashtag that seems driven by one idea, click on it. Look at the accounts posting with that tag. Are many of them brand new or have very few followers and only tweet about this one topic?

Facebook: Check share count—organic or boosted by groups?

Look at how many times a post has been shared. High share counts can look like lots of support. But check if the shares are coming from a few large, coordinated groups rather than many individual people sharing naturally.

2. Loaded Language

This uses strong, often emotional words to make something sound very good or very bad without giving a fair picture.

What It Looks Like: “This OUTRAGEOUS lie will SHOCK you!” (TikTok caption).

Posts use drayantic words meant to trigger a strong feeling, like “outrageous,” “shocking,” “evil,” or “heroic.” The words carry more weight than the facts presented.

How to Spot: Heavy emojis, all-caps, or buzzwords.

Look for excessive use of exclamation points, all capital letters, and words designed to grab attention quickly rather than explain. These are signs the post wants you to feel before you think.

Instagram: Swipe Story—exaggerated text overlays?

In Stories, pay attention to large, flashy text added on top of images or videos. Is the text full of extreme words designed to provoke a reaction?

TikTok: Pause video—caption matches the vibe?

Read the caption carefully. Does it use extremely strong or biased words? Does the intense language in the caption match what is actually shown calmly in the video?

Twitter: Copy phrase → search in quotes for context.

If you see a very loaded phrase, copy it exactly and search for it in quotation marks (“like this”). See where else that exact phrase is being used. Is it only in posts from one group or perspective?

Facebook: Check post’s group—same language repeated?

If you see a post in a group that uses loaded language, look at other posts in the same group. Do the admins and other members consistently use the same emotionally charged words or phrases?

3. Name-Calling / Stereotyping

This technique attacks people or groups by using labels or unfair generalizations instead of discussing their ideas or actions fairly. What It Looks Like: Meme labeling a group “traitors” (Facebook). You might see a picture or post that puts a simple, negative label on a whole group of people, like calling them “traitors,” “lazy,” or “extremists.”

How to Spot: Attacks on people, not ideas.

The focus is on insulting or labeling a person or group rather than arguing against their actual points or beliefs with facts.

Instagram: Tap profile—same group targeted repeatedly?

Check the profile of the account posting the name-calling content. Does their history show a pattern of posting negative labels and stereotypes about the same specific group of people?

TikTok: Check “For You” videos—same stereotype trending?

If your “For You” page starts showing many videos with similar negative stereotypes about a group, it could be a sign that this type of content is being pushed or is trending, even if it’s unfair.

Twitter: Scan replies—defenders or just pile-on?

Look at the replies to a tweet that uses name-calling. Are people challenging the label with facts, or is it mostly other accounts joining in with more insults? A pile-on can indicate coordinated behavior.

Facebook: View group admins—history of divisive posts?

In a group where you see stereotyping, check who the group administrators are. Look at their profiles or the group’s past activity. Do the admins have a history of allowing or posting divisive content that targets specific groups?

4. Card-Stacking

This involves presenting only the facts or information that support one side while ignoring or hiding any information that goes against it.

What It Looks Like: Infographic with one-sided stats (Instagram).

You see a chart or image that shows statistics or facts, but they only tell part of the story. Key information that would show a different view is left out.

How to Spot: Missing context or data.

The information feels incomplete. You only see positive things about one side or negative things about another, without any balancing information or important details.

Instagram: Long-press image → Google Lens → check source.

If you see an infographic or image with data, long-press it and use a tool like Google Lens (or save and use Google Images reverse search) to see where else that image appears. Try to find the original source of the data to see what information was left out.

TikTok: Search stat in description—leads to legit sites?

If a video mentions a specific statistic in the description or on screen, search for that exact statistic online. Do your search results lead to reliable sources like government reports, university studies, or major news organizations that explain the full context?

Twitter: Click link—primary source or opinion blog?

If a tweet includes a link to back up its claim, click the link. Does it go to the original research, official report, or a respected news site? Or does it lead to a personal blog, opinion website, or unknown source?

Facebook: Cross-check with WHO/CDC for health claims.

For health-related statistics or claims seen on Facebook, always cross-check them with official, trusted health organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the US (or your local health authority).

5. Transfer

This technique connects a person, idea, or product with something respected or disliked to transfer the positive or negative feeling.

What It Looks Like: Politician on a flag (Instagram Story).

A politician might be shown standing in front of a national flag or with a respected symbol (like a famous landmark) to link themselves to feelings of patriotism or importance.

How to Spot: Symbols used to borrow trust.

Look for images or videos where unrelated symbols that carry strong positive (flags, religious symbols, famous people) or negative (symbols of hated groups, negative images) feelings are shown alongside the topic being promoted.

Instagram: Reverse-image search Story frame.

If a Story shows a person with a significant background or symbol, take a screenshot and do a reverse-image search. See if that background or symbol is typically used with that person or if it seems added just for this post.

TikTok: Check background—stock footage?

Pay attention to the background of a video. Does it look like generic or “stock” footage of something impressive (like a crowd cheering or a beautiful landscape) that might not actually be related to the person speaking?

Twitter: Search image—used elsewhere?

If a tweet has an image showing a person with a symbol, search for that image online. See if the image is old, used out of context, or frequently paired with that symbol by others trying to make a similar point.

Facebook: Check poster’s page—consistent branding?

Look at the profile or page of the person posting. Do they consistently use specific symbols or imagery, or does this particular post use a symbol that seems out of place for their usual content?

6. Testimonial / False Authority

This uses a statement from a person, often claiming they are an expert, to make an idea seem trustworthy, even if they have no real knowledge or proof.

What It Looks Like: “Expert says X” with no credentials (Twitter).

A post quotes someone saying something important, but doesn’t say who they are, their job, or why they are qualified to speak on that topic.

How to Spot: No proof of expertise.

Look for claims based on what someone says without any evidence that this person is actually knowledgeable or qualified in that area.

Instagram: Check “About this account”—ad spend or country?

If the post is an ad, check the “About this account” section (if available). See if the account is spending money on ads, where they are located, or if they hide this information. This can sometimes indicate who is trying to influence you.

TikTok: Tap profile—bio vague or new?

Click on the profile of the person giving the testimonial. Is their bio empty, very vague about their qualifications, or does their account look brand new with little activity?

Twitter: Search name + “expert”—real credentials?

If a name is given, search for the person’s name plus terms like “expert,” “professor,” or their claimed job title. See if you can find credible information about their real qualifications and work.

Facebook: Google quoted name—reliable outlet mentions?

Search for the name of the person being quoted. Do searches lead to mentions of this person in reliable news articles, academic papers, or official websites related to their field? Or do they only appear on questionable websites?

7. Glittering Generalities

This uses vague, positive words or phrases that sound good but mean nothing specific. They are designed to make you feel good about an idea without thinking hard about it.

What It Looks Like: “Fight for justice!” with no details (TikTok).

You see slogans or phrases that use words like “justice,” “freedom,” “prosperity,” or “unity” that sound appealing but don’t explain what specific actions are being taken or what the goal truly is.

How to Spot: Vague, feel-good slogans.

Look for catchy phrases that are emotionally positive but lack any concrete details about plans, policies, or actions.

Instagram: Check caption—what’s the actual goal?

Read the caption carefully. Does it just repeat the feel-good slogan, or does it explain what the post is actually trying to achieve or what specific action they want you to take?

TikTok: Search phrase—used in unrelated trends?

Search for the vague, positive phrase on TikTok. Is it being used in many different videos and trends that have nothing to do with the original topic? This shows it’s just a popular phrase, not necessarily tied to a real plan.

Twitter: Check thread—any specifics or just hype?

If the tweet contains a glittering generality, look at the entire thread (if it’s a thread). Does it eventually provide specific details, or is it just a series of tweets repeating the vague, positive message?

Facebook: View event page—clear mission or just buzz?

If the post is promoting an event using a glittering generality, look at the event details. Does the page clearly state the purpose, schedule, speakers, and goals of the event, or is it just filled with positive but empty buzzwords?

8. Fearmongering

This technique uses scary messages, often with little or no evidence, to frighten you into believing something or taking action to avoid a perceived threat. What It Looks Like: “Your data’s stolen tomorrow!” (TikTok). You see urgent warnings about terrible things that might happen (losing money, getting sick, danger to family) presented as facts, often with a call to act immediately.

How to Spot: Urgent, scary claims with no proof.

Look for messages that create panic or anxiety without providing solid evidence, official warnings, or links to reliable sources confirming the danger.

Instagram: Check link—leads to official site?

If the fearful post includes a link for more information or a solution, check where the link goes. Does it lead to an official government website, a trusted news source reporting on the danger, or an unknown site trying to sell you something or get your information?

TikTok: Search claim—news outlets reporting it?

Search for the specific scary claim online. Are major, respected news organizations reporting on this threat with details and evidence? Or do you only find the claim on social media or questionable websites?

Twitter: Check replies—experts debunking?

Look at the replies to a tweet spreading fear. Are other users, especially those with known expertise, challenging the claim or providing information that debunks it?

Facebook: Visit the linked institution’s page for statements.

If the fearful post mentions a specific institution (like a bank, government agency, or company) as the source of the danger or the target, go directly to that institution’s official website or social media page. See if they have made any public statements about the claim.

9. Emotional Red Flags

Beyond specific techniques, pay attention to your own feelings. Propaganda is designed to trigger strong emotions that make you react without thinking.

What It Looks Like: Post sparking instant anger or pride (any platform).

You see a post that immediately makes you feel very angry, scared, proud, or excited. The feeling is intense and sudden.

How to Spot: Intense feelings with weak evidence.

If a post makes you feel a strong emotion right away, but the information or evidence presented seems weak or unclear, that’s a red flag. Ask yourself why you feel so strongly.

All Platforms: Pause—does it demand a quick like/share? Search key claim. When you feel a strong emotional reaction, stop. Don’t like, share, or comment right away. Does the post pressure you to share it quickly (“Share this now!")?

Take a moment to search for the main claim in the post on a search engine to see if reliable sources support it.

Key Takeaway: Each platform has unique clues. Train your eye for patterns. Becoming a digital detective means knowing the common tricks and how they look on the specific platforms you use. Practice spotting the signs and patterns discussed here, and you’ll get better at identifying propaganda in your daily scroll.

Taking Action against Propaganda

Recognizing it is only part of the picture. The next, vital stage is taking action. Why? Because letting misinformation spread unchecked can have real impacts on our collective well-being and mental health, fostering anxiety, division, and distrust. Empowering yourself to do something about it helps protect not just yourself, but your community too, making the online world a slightly healthier place for everyone.

So, what can you actually do? Firstly, don’t underestimate the power of reporting. Those little “…” buttons aren’t just for hiding posts; they’re tools to flag potentially false or misleading content directly to the platforms. Use them! It takes seconds and helps moderators review problematic information. Secondly, resist the urge to jump into a public comment war. While your heart might be in the right place, arguing in the comments often just boosts the post’s visibility via algorithms. Instead, if you feel the need to correct a loved one who’s shared something questionable, try sending them a private message with factual information. It’s less confrontational and avoids amplifying the original bad post.

Finally, build your own fortress of reliable information. Knowing where to find trustworthy sources is your superpower in this digital age. Make it a habit to seek out reputable investigative journalists or organizations dedicated to fact-finding. And whenever possible, go straight to the primary source – official government health sites, company press releases, etc. This not only helps you verify claims but also builds your confidence in discerning truth from fiction. Taking even just one small action this week, like reporting a suspicious post, is a step towards a healthier information diet for all of us.

Building Your Propaganda Detection Skills

Becoming a great digital detective doesn’t happen overnight. It’s like building any skill; the more you practice, the better you get. By making small habits part of your online routine, you can sharpen your ability to spot misleading content.

In-Moment Habits

These are small things you can do every time you’re scrolling to pause and check before you react.

Pause before liking/sharing—ask “What’s the proof?” Before you tap the like button or, especially, the share button, take a quick breath. Ask yourself: Is there real proof for this claim? Or is it just trying to make me feel something strongly? This simple pause stops you from spreading something false without thinking. Use a “Fact-Check” bookmark on your phone. Keep one of the fact-checking websites you learned about, like Snopes or FactCheck.org, saved on your phone’s home screen or in your browser bookmarks. If you see something questionable, you’re only a tap away from checking if it’s already been debunked.

Prebunking

Instead of only reacting to false information after you see it, you can also learn to spot potential propaganda before it fully spreads. This is called prebunking. Follow “First Draft News” or “MediaWise” for tips. Organizations like First Draft News (which is now part of other initiatives) and MediaWise often publish information about common propaganda trends and techniques to watch out for. Following them can help you learn the patterns being used right now.

Look at what hashtags are trending on platforms like Twitter. Are they suddenly filled with similar messages? Investigate who is using them and if many new or suspicious accounts are trying to drive the trend. This can show you if a new narrative is being pushed.

Team Up

You don’t have to be a digital detective alone. Working with others can make it easier and more effective. Start a group chat—share odd posts for quick team reviews. Create a message group with friends or family who also want to avoid spreading false information. When one of you sees a suspicious post, share it in the chat for others to quickly look at. More eyes can spot clues faster, and you can help each other avoid getting tricked.

Key Takeaway: You’re building a superpower—spotting propaganda makes you a sharper thinker.

Every time you pause, check a source, or look for a technique, you are strengthening your critical thinking skills. You are not just protecting yourself from manipulation; you are becoming a more informed and analytical person online and off. This ability to question and verify is a powerful skill in today’s digital world.

Parting Thoughts

You’ve learned to be a digital detective! You now understand that propaganda is designed to trigger emotions and trick you, but the good news is you have practical tools to spot it. You know to pause, check sources, look closely at posts, and recognize common techniques. These skills are your power-up in navigating the online world.

Knowing how to spot misleading information isn’t just smart; it’s vital for your well-being. Propaganda feeds anxiety and creates division. By developing these skills, you’re protecting your own mind and helping to create a healthier online space for everyone around you. It’s about building resilience against manipulation and protecting your peace.

Keep practicing! Make it a habit to analyze just one post a day – ask yourself, “What’s the proof?” or “Is this trying to make me feel strongly?” Check out resources like Snopes or FactCheck.org to see fact-checks in action. Every little bit of practice strengthens your ability to think clearly and confidently online.