Hybrid Operations and Influencers on the Internet and Social Media—do They Pose a Real Risk to National Security?

The study highlights the risks and threats that influencers pose to national security, as they serve as political role models and agenda setters for young people on Internet and social media, as well as during gaming, thus on digital platforms. This research is qualitative and explorative in nature. It offers multidisciplinary theoretical framework on digitality, security and information operations. Empirical research was conducted with schools in n=8 municipalities in Western, Central, and Eastern Finland during February 2021–February 2024. During this explorative empirical research phase, n=387 young students between the ages of 16 and 29 were invited to be anonymous and volunteer research participants. Based on the results, young people trust influencers and various digital platforms but do not view them as threats to national security. The digital revolution and information technology have reshaped power and legitimacy, and influencers can influence young people to turn against their own state, radicalize people, and make them distrust officials, politicians, and the military. They use digital platforms for their advantage, and young people trust influencers as truthtellers more than traditional gatekeepers. Influencers offer young people freedom and legitimacy to say things out loud and believe in truths that previously were not possible. However, the risks to national security cannot be tackled by simply banning or regulating platforms like TikTok and Meta. There are always new platforms and influencers ready to be used in information operations. The harsh reality is that officials, schools, defense forces, the military, journalists, and politicians are losing young people. Perhaps, rightfully so, young people look for truths and belonging on digital platforms because societies have nothing to offer for young people. And here are the vast possibilities for numerous hybrid operations to destabilize countries and to break resilience on multiple fronts. Based on this study, societies are polarized globally by using digital platforms. Societies’ resilience is being tested and destroyed online and offline by diverse hybrid warfare. Online information operations are part of this warfare. This study highlights how influencers are perceived as more relatable and trustworthy than other actors in society. Influencers’ ethos, pathos, and logos were appealing to young people, especially when these coincided with their values and beliefs.