3- Research Gap, Objectives & Questions

3.1. Research Gap and its Significance

The study "Rediscovering Truth in a Post-Truth Era: The Role of Leadership in
Combating Digital Disinformation During Crisis Communication" has a research gap that
pertains to the investigation of the particular role of leadership in confronting and containing the
proliferation of internet-based disinformation during crisis communications in the present post-
truth era. The purpose of the research is to better understand how leadership may affect how
digital disinformation is disseminated and handled during times of crisis. Although there is
already a study on the subject, it is important to focus on how leaders may influence the fight
against misinformation and the promotion of authenticity in the digital era. A certain level of
evidential unconscientiousness distinguishes bullshit from non-bullshit. The issue isn't that it's
difficult to define a clear line separating bullshit from non-bullshit; rather, it's because the line
itself is arbitrary. Like many other phenomena, the concept of bullshit has hazy boundaries.
Therefore, more accuracy in making such a distinction would make it unnatural. The specific
difficulties presented by digital media in the environment of crisis communication will be
explored in the study. It will look into how decision-makers may successfully manage the
intricacies of the internet world to combat misinformation and make sure the public receives
correct information during emergencies. Finding the best tactics and techniques that leaders may
use to counteract digital disinformation via situations of crisis is another area of study that is
lacking. This might involve researching the usage of social media, doing fact-checking projects,
launching media awareness campaigns, or creating networks of cooperation between influential
figures and pertinent stakeholders. The investigation could also look into how ethical leadership
impacts the fight against disinformation on the web. While taking into account the various trade-
offs and difficulties they may encounter, it might examine the ethical duties of leaders in giving
accurate data, fostering openness, and protecting truthfulness throughout crisis communication.
There is a need for research that examines the long-term consequences of leadership initiatives in
battling digital disinformation because many studies only look at short-term crisis circumstances.
More robust and efficient response systems may be achieved by comprehending the
sustainability of leadership techniques, their long-lasting effects on public trust, and their
capacity to create long-term crisis communication tactics (Fagherazzi et al., 2020).
The study on the effects of digital misinformation on crisis communication and the role of
leadership in combating it is expanding, but there are still certain gaps in the body of knowledge.
Although a number of investigations have looked at the tactics used by leaders to fend off digital
disinformation during crises, additional empirical research that assesses the efficacy of these
tactics is required. Leaders and organizations involved in crisis communication might benefit
from understanding which leadership strategies and tactics provide the best results in terms of
battling digital disinformation (Foote, 2013). Finding the best tactics and techniques that leaders
may use to counteract digital disinformation via situations of crisis is another area of study that is
lacking. This might involve researching the usage of social media, doing fact-checking projects,
launching media awareness campaigns, or creating networks of cooperation between influential
figures and pertinent stakeholders. The investigation could also look into how ethical leadership
impacts the fight against disinformation on the web. While taking into account the various trade-
offs and difficulties leaders may encounter, it might examine the ethical duties of leaders in
giving accurate data, fostering openness, and protecting truthfulness throughout crisis
communication.