Something crucial to remember when assessing online communication is that media manipulation is very rarely based around outright falsehoods. Commonly, the manipulation stems from how a certain truth is told, how the facts are arranged and the choice of voices that are being amplified, as well as the emotions that are being stirred.
In such a landscape, narrative analysis method through a narrative intelligence solution plays an essential role. It helps to shift the focus from what is being said to how it is being said, therefore revealing the most subtle techniques that are at play.
The crucial aspect of the narrative analysis method is that it allows for a much deeper than surface level investigation of content. Rather than literal dissecting of a message, the approach evaluates the underlying structure of a story for more in depth insights. This includes:
• The order in which selected ‘facts’ are being presented.
• Which individuals or groups are being framed as respective protagonists and antagonists.
• Which events are being highlighted or ignored.
• Where blame is being attributed, with or without direct claims.
All of these structural elements are known as narrative blocks, and they work to shape perception without actually having to change the factual nature of the content. By placing focus on how the stories are constructed, narrative analysis method aids in not only understanding what information is being shared and spread, but why.
This is different to traditional data analysis, which is best suited to identifying numerical patterns, or thematic analysis that prefers to cluster subjects by theme. In contrast, the narrative research method is designed to focus on the framing and sequencing that make any story persuasive and compelling to consumers.
Manipulation can flourish in the correct framing. Even when the base facts are technically right, the way that they are arranged can result in specific and targeted reactions from consumers. Narrative analysis method can help to uncover this kind of strategy at work.
Framing can alter and distort meaning in a number of different ways:
Effective stories will subtly look to apportion fault by positioning a certain group or individual next to negative outcomes, possibly without making any direct claims.
Deliberate selection of imagery and language can induce a sense of anxiety that wasn’t actually present in the raw facts.
Spotlighting a single perspective as being the noble or brave one, opposing certain views to make them seem dangerous or lesser.
The presentation of events as forgone conclusions, which reduces space for any kind of alternative view or public debate.
All of these factors depend on how a story is told, rather than the data itself. In this arena it is clear why the narrative method in research is so useful, bringing these manipulations to light.
Often, a narrative will appear across a number of different platforms, leading to the question of whether it is coincidence or coordination. Narrative analysis method works to identify signs of such orchestrated storytelling through the following:
• The ability to track key repeated phrases across multiple outlets.
• Mapping out the sequence in which similar stories appear.
• Noting how framing devices recur, especially across seemingly unrelated domains.
Such patterns are a clear signal of deliberate message replication. A glaring example of this can be seen in the way certain media sources describe a protest with emotional phrasing like ‘unruly crowds’ or ‘chaotic scenes’. This wording is less about facts and more about emotion.
The narrative analysis research method is able to pinpoint these instances, and is able to evaluate form rather than content.
In this arena, Osavul stands out from the crowd as a powerful suite of tools built with narrative analysis method in mind. Rather than simply scanning for keywords and mentions, it has the power to evaluate narrative data to reveal how stories are created, distributed and amplified across platforms. Osavul’s key features include:
• Real time tracking of evolving stories.
• The ability to flag potential patterns that could be aligned messaging.
• Source comparison tools that can identify where a storyline was first introduced.
• High levels of context layering that highlights persuasive and emotional tone.
When combined, these tools mean that by the time a story has entered the mainstream, Osavul will already have mapped the structure and spread. It provides invaluable accuracy and insight for any organizations seeking to better understand data.
In an age where public trust is particularly fragile across the globe, the way in which narratives are relayed can have serious influence on everything from public health decisions to international relations to elections and more. In such a climate, narrative analysis method is needed to ensure that content being consumed isn’t insidious.
Some genuine scenarios include:
How are certain candidates being framed? Is their representation linked to historical patterns of hope or fear?
Are some victim groups being ignored while others are being highlighted? Is the timeline being condensed in order to appear more urgent?
Are specific angles being repeated across platforms in such a way that suggests a coordinated effort?
Each of these scenarios require more than just traditional fact-checking, and that is where the powerful narrative research method offered by Osavul to control the narrative can be of invaluable assistance.
Ultimately, media manipulation does need to invest stories from thin air, it just needs to relay existing narratives in a targeted and deliberate way. The truth is that the majority of audiences respond emotionally to how a story feels, rather what it is logically saying.
Thankfully, this kind of manipulation isn’t invisible or untraceable, and with the help of software that employs the narrative analysis method, analysts, journalists and watchdogs alike can work on minimizing the impact that media manipulation can have when emerging and spreading.
