Influence with Integrity: Shaping the Future of Misinformation Resistance

At Cyber Collective, we recognize that as creators, we’re not just building content—we’re on the frontlines of the digital information ecosystem. Influencers and creators are prime targets for foreign actors who exploit our credibility and reach to spread disinformation through tactics like trolling, fake accounts, and enticing offers that manipulate narratives to their advantage. But, just as we embrace the multitudes in our creativity, we also have the power to change the narrative from being passive targets to becoming active leaders in the fight against these issues.

By staying authentic and promoting critical thinking, we hold essential tools to protect democratic processes and counter malicious influence. Disinformation impacts everyone, but it disproportionately targets marginalized communities, preying on existing social and racial divides. This heightened vulnerability underlines the importance of building trust and resilience within these communities.

In early October, Cyber Collective partnered with the Alliance for Securing Democracy (ASD) at the German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF) to host Influencing with Integrity, a private dinner and discussion in Philadelphia. Our event brought together influencers, local government officials such as; Kathy Boockvar , Former Secretary of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, City Commissioner, Seth Bluestein and misinformation expert, Bret Schafer to dive into the realities of disinformation and its influence on public perception—especially as we approach the 2024 U.S. elections. Through honest, thought-provoking conversations, the event dismantled barriers, bridging influencers and election officials with shared purpose and open dialogue. This collaboration gave influencers the opportunity to connect directly with experts and local leaders, helping them understand their role in shaping democratic discourse and recognize the unique reach they possess in fighting disinformation.

Key Goals of the Partnership

1. Amplify Trusted Research: By elevating ASD’s expert-backed research on foreign interference, we provide influencers with impactful information that helps them to ground their content in credible insights.
2. Enable Critical Discussions: Influencers have a vital role in leading discussions on cybersecurity and democracy. This partnership empowers them to tackle these topics in accessible ways that resonate with their audiences, encouraging critical thinking across diverse online spaces.
3. Create Actionable Content: By simplifying the complex issue of disinformation and offering practical tools, we support influencers in protecting themselves and their communities, ultimately amplifying media literacy within micro-communities that are traditionally overlooked by industry leaders.

Reflecting on the Evening

The event’s discussions, led by ASD’s experts and experienced election officials, highlighted the real impact of foreign disinformation on democracy, emphasizing the distinct role influencers play in shaping public understanding and resisting manipulation. As Senior Fellow Bret Schafer explained, influencers are uniquely positioned within disinformation campaigns: they can either become unwitting participants or empowered defenders. This message resonated deeply with attendees, sparking conversations around their potential to lead their communities with integrity.

Former Secretary of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Kathy Boockvar, emphasized that disinformation thrives in spaces with low media literacy, underscoring the need for influencers to educate their audiences. City Commissioner Seth Bluestein further stressed that influencers could bridge crucial gaps in public understanding by demystifying election processes and promoting transparency. The event revealed a clear opportunity for Cyber Collective to position itself as the industry’s go-to partner for connecting influencers and local leaders, facilitating critical conversations within communities traditionally overlooked by decision-makers.

Conclusion

Through our partnership with ASD, Cyber Collective is empowering influencers with the resources and knowledge to protect democratic values in the digital age. As a trusted partner for industry leaders, we bridge the gap between influencers and the predominantly white, traditional policy spaces that often lack direct access to Black and Brown communities. These communities aren’t “hard to reach”—they are rich in diversity and insight but remain underrepresented in mainstream industry circles. By creating pathways for influencers to lead in misinformation resistance, we’re helping build a more inclusive dialogue around democracy and information integrity.

This guide offers practical steps for defending democratic processes, along with a downloadable resource to help influencers foster resilience within their digital spaces. Stay connected with us as we continue this work, providing more resources and insights to tackle disinformation together. By supporting micro-communities with accurate, research-backed information, influencers are actively shaping a more informed, resilient online ecosystem, grounded in integrity and truth.