Lorraine Williamson
When the storm battered Valencia on 29 October 2024, the devastation was not limited to physical damage alone. The DANA storm in Valencia, which claimed more than 200 lives, triggered an alarming surge of fake news on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok.
Researchers at the Universitat Politècnica de València have now detailed how false narratives shaped public reaction and heightened emotional distress.
Fear dominates on X
According to the study, misleading content on X mainly evoked fear and sadness among users. The platform’s text-heavy nature meant posts frequently centred on personal tragedies, perceived threats, and exaggerated loss. One widely circulated false claim suggested authorities intentionally downplayed death tolls to conceal ineffective emergency responses. Despite lacking evidence, the rumour spread rapidly, fuelling suspicion and panic.
TikTok amplifies anger and outrage
On TikTok, researchers found a distinctly different emotional response. Users consumed videos featuring alarming visuals, dramatic music, and sensational narratives, generating feelings of anger and disgust rather than fear. One viral video absurdly alleged that the flooding was deliberately engineered to devastate local agriculture. Despite obvious inaccuracies, the clip spread rapidly, propelled by TikTok’s algorithm favouring provocative and emotionally charged content.
Dangerous conspiracy theories
Researchers highlighted several troubling conspiracy theories that persisted online, notably an audio clip claiming to be from a Guardia Civil officer. The hoax falsely reported hundreds of bodies discovered in an underground parking area near Valencia’s Bonaire shopping centre. Authorities repeatedly debunked the claim, yet it continued to circulate widely, undermining trust in official channels.
Exploiting emotions to spread falsehoods
The deliberate appeal to strong emotions was a key strategy behind these misleading posts, according to researchers. By featuring personal anecdotes, sensory-rich descriptions, and emphatic yet baseless denials, disinformation peddlers gained undeserved credibility. Algorithms that prioritise content generating high engagement, especially on TikTok, amplified these dangerous narratives.
Urgent need for government action
The Valencian tragedy has exposed significant vulnerabilities in Spain’s digital resilience during emergencies. The government has acknowledged the severity of this digital threat and is planning new measures, including legislation and awareness campaigns, to combat future disinformation crises. This disaster underscores the critical need for credible, transparent communication during emergencies to prevent widespread confusion and mistrust.
As Valencia continues to recover, it is clear that addressing digital misinformation is as essential as repairing physical damage.