The article explores the evolution of trolling from a subculture to a business model used in harassment campaigns and political manipulation. It highlights how governments and political entities have weaponized trolling to attack opponents and influence public opinion, citing examples from China, Russia, and the US. The piece outlines the tactics used by trolls, such as amplification through social media, hashtag hijacking, and emotional manipulation. It also provides guidance for investigative journalists on detecting and analyzing trolling campaigns, emphasizing the importance of understanding the modus operandi and ethical reporting. Case studies illustrate the real-world impact of trolling on individuals like Maria Ressa and Jamal Khashoggi.

The article discusses the evolution of internet trolling from a subcultural behavior to a business model used in information operations and military strategies. It highlights how governments and political entities have weaponized trolling to attack opponents and manipulate public opinion, citing examples like China's '50 Cent Army' and Russia's Internet Research Agency's interference in the US elections. The piece outlines tactics used by trolls, such as amplification through social media, hashtag hijacking, and emotional manipulation. It also provides a guide for investigative journalists on how to identify and analyze trolling campaigns, including the use of social listening tools, network analysis, and fact-checking resources. The article emphasizes the importance of ethical reporting and avoiding sensationalism when exposing trolls.

At least 15 fake pages have published over 130 ads on Meta, promoting a social bonus and targeting people outside the metropolitan region. These pages mimic the central government's logos, names, and colors, directing clicks to their messaging systems. Most pages were created recently, with some dating back to May and July. Due to their recent creation, the platform does not require them to register or show the administrators' locations, except for the oldest page, which has an administrator in Colombia. One page, named after a Guatemalan media outlet, lists the physical address of Colombia's presidential house and an email from Guatemala's vice presidency. These scam networks are common on platforms and are frequently dismantled, but in countries like Guatemala, this process can take longer. Some pages have been operating since May, publishing dozens of ads, with no way to determine how many people have been affected.

The article explores the evolution of Netcenters from early online forums to sophisticated digital manipulation tools used in political campaigns. It highlights various cases in Guatemala and Mexico, detailing how these centers operate, their impact on public perception, and the ethical concerns they raise. The text calls for legislative action and public awareness to combat these practices.

On July 1, 2023, reports surfaced that the Ministry of Defense of Guatemala suffered a critical ransomware attack, with 5.8Gb of data extracted. The Army spokesperson denied any link to military data, but specialized portals reported otherwise, attributing the attack to a hacker group named Cyclops. Recently, documents from the attack revealed that the Ministry of Defense considers media campaigns against the Guatemalan Army a national security threat, alongside drug trafficking and organized crime. The presentation included a list of journalists perceived as threats, including José Rubén Zamora, who is currently imprisoned, and Marvin Del Cid and Sonny Figueroa, who are in exile due to state persecution. The Ministry's lesson learned from the situation was that non-government-aligned individuals and organizations expressing discontent in the media is a result of the government's failure to enforce laws against them.

Neto Bran, the Mayor of Mixco, Guatemala, is one of the highest-paid mayors in the country and also monetizes content on his Facebook page. Despite his busy schedule, he manages multiple businesses and creates social media content with a team of 32 people. Investigations have raised concerns about his administration's transparency and the potential misuse of public funds for personal gain. The article questions the ethical implications of politicians monetizing social media content and calls for clearer rules and regulations.

The article discusses the impact of Instagram Stories on journalism and media organizations, particularly in Latin America. It highlights the rapid growth of Instagram Stories' user base since its launch by Mark Zuckerberg in 2016, surpassing Snapchat's daily active users. The article emphasizes the importance of content quality and regular posting for media organizations using Instagram. It provides insights into how Instagram Stories can be used effectively for photojournalism, feature stories, news summaries, breaking news, and special events. The article also notes that while Instagram Stories may not directly generate site traffic, they are valuable for brand recognition and storytelling. Examples of successful strategies and the potential for growth in the use of Instagram as a content distribution platform in Latin America are also discussed. The author, Luis Assardo, is a journalist and digital consultant with international experience.

The article discusses the overlooked issue of disinformation research in small countries, emphasizing the bias towards larger economies. It highlights the challenges faced by researchers in Central America, including lack of data, tools, and resources. The author criticizes social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter for not providing adequate support and data access to researchers in these regions. The article also mentions the efforts of individuals like Erin Gallagher and organizations like First Draft in understanding disinformation in Central America. The overall sentiment towards the current state of disinformation research in small countries is critical, calling for more inclusive and supportive measures.