A false tweet regarding HMS Diamond being hit by Houthi rockets is perfect to serve as a case study in understanding the dynamics of disinformation and the role of source credibility.
Bob Costello’s tweets about HMS Diamond needing repairs after alleged attacks by Houthi rebels ignited a discussion that highlights the spread of disinformation and demonstrates the pivotal role of shifting narratives and the influence of confirmation bias in public discourse.
In my view, it’s a fascinating insight into how these things work. You can also see some inaccurate claims about other projects in his tweet but we’ll focus on the claim about HMS Diamond today.
This article is a fact checking article, if you believe we’ve made an error you can submit a correction in line with our correction policy.
Bob is a real person by the way, you can read about him here.
The Twitter Thread
This is the British military who think it’s good idea to go to war with Russia. Warships colliding with one another. An aircraftless carrier which cannot get out of port. A warship which was hit by a Yemeni 100 dollar rocket, and now this , if the rocket had been armed, bingo! https://t.co/dtJDigUx5H
— Bob Costello (@bobcostello47) February 21, 2024
The narrative began with Costello’s assertion that HMS Diamond was significantly damaged in attacks by Houthi rebels—a claim he initially attributed directly to the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and most importantly, one that is entirely false. This specific attribution to a credible and official source lent the claim an air of authenticity and urgency, compelling enough to catch public attention and concern.
HMS Diamond needs repairs and resupplies after three attacks by Houthi rebels, the MOD said.
— Bob Costello (@bobcostello47) March 1, 2024
However, the thread took a notable turn when the source of the claim was questioned by many users, myself included. Costello shifted from citing the MoD to claiming the information was “all over the news”. It wasn’t, and where did the number three come from?
It was all over the news
— Bob Costello (@bobcostello47) March 1, 2024
This move from a specific and authoritative source to a more generalised and unverifiable one introduced ambiguity into the discussion, muddying the waters of what was previously presented as a clear-cut fact.
This shift is particularly illuminative when considering the role of confirmation bias in the dissemination and reception of information. Initially, individuals predisposed to believe in the fragility or failings of the British military might have found Costello’s MoD-referenced claim more convincing. Yet, as the source became less clear, the narrative’s credibility should, in theory, diminish. However, for those already inclined to believe in the narrative’s essence, the lack of specificity may not detract from its believability. Instead, their preexisting beliefs fill in the gaps left by the now ambiguous sourcing, maintaining or even strengthening their conviction in the claim’s accuracy.
The movement from a concrete source to an ambiguous one not only illustrates a common tactic in the spread of disinformation but also highlights the challenges in countering such claims. As the narrative’s origin becomes fuzzier, debunking the misinformation becomes a more complex task, especially when the discussion devolves into questioning the motives of those who demand evidence or clarity. At some point, it becomes impossible to keep the conversation going.
Some unfortunate people will believe anything the British government tell them. It’s quite comical actually
— Bob Costello (@bobcostello47) March 1, 2024
Costello’s subsequent remarks, which disparaged those who “believe anything the British government tells them,” further complicate the issue and it is my view that this may be intentional, although I cannot fathom what his intentions are. This stance is particularly ironic given that Costello himself initially cited the British government (the MoD) as his source.
Such a defensive shift towards questioning the credibility of skepticism, rather than substantiating his initial claims, diverts attention from the need for evidence and also deepens divisions, making it more challenging to reach a consensus on what is true or false.
This tactic of undermining trust in institutional information sources, after having invoked such sources to lend credibility to his claim, is such a common, routine tactic with this kind of thing and fits a fairly well known pattern.
How it’s done
Common tactics emerge when individuals repeat unverified information or, in some instances, fabricate claims and subsequently get caught.
- Initial Claim with Credible Source: The disinformation campaign kicks off with an assertion that HMS Diamond needed repairs following attacks by Houthi rebels, attributing this claim to the Ministry of Defence (MoD). This tactic of citing a credible source first lends an aura of legitimacy to the information, encouraging its acceptance among the audience.
- Shift to Vague Sources Upon Challenge: Upon facing scrutiny, the originator shifts from citing a specific, credible source to referencing vague, unverifiable ones, claiming the information was “all over the news.” This move is characteristic of disinformation efforts, designed to make the claim harder to refute directly while maintaining the narrative’s momentum.
- Exploitation of Confirmation Bias: This step exploits confirmation bias, where individuals are predisposed to accept information that aligns with their existing beliefs. The disinformation thus finds fertile ground among those already sceptical of the British military, demonstrating how disinformation thrives by resonating with the audience’s preconceived notions, despite the evolving nature of the claim’s sourcing.
- Questioning the Credibility of Scepticism: The strategy culminates in criticising those who trust government sources, despite the initial reliance on such sources for legitimacy. This tactic, aimed at undermining the credibility of scepticism and institutional trust, is a hallmark of disinformation campaigns, intended to polarise discourse and render individuals more susceptible to misleading narratives.
When asked for comment on his motivations, Bob blocked me.
The Minefield of Misinformation
Bob Costello’s tweets about HMS Diamond underscore the potent combination of human psychology and social media in the propagation of disinformation. Research has shown that tweets containing falsehoods were 70% more likely to be retweeted than those containing truthful information, a phenomenon driven not by bots, but by human users. Costello’s initial credible attribution to the MoD and subsequent shift to vague sources exemplify how misinformation can gain traction, leveraging the novelty and emotional engagement that drive retweets and shares.
The HMS Diamond tweet saga mirrors the broader challenges posed by fake news, as evidenced by a 2018 study highlighting the rapid spread of false news on Twitter. This case study reinforces the need for heightened vigilance and critical media literacy among the public, alongside more robust safeguards from social media platforms, to mitigate the impact of disinformation. Understanding the underlying mechanisms and human tendencies that facilitate the spread of fake news is crucial in devising effective strategies to combat this.
Great to see UKDJ bringing up confirmation bias(has he been reading my posts 😀), its everywhere these days and its not just rogue actors. Its used in political spin by what are supposed to be trust worthy politicians and in sales. And its not always what we would describe as lies but things like publishing a fact that makes something look concerning but releality is its not a cocern. Example to discredit a company the press publish Acme Inc make 1m defective widgets, and yes they did but they make 1b widgets a month so the defect rate is >… Read more »
I’m not sure journalists feel they are under any obligation to tell the truth. Indeed I suspect that merely telling the truth would generally not get you published. It is perhaps necessary to embelish things much of the time.
So that explains the BBC then,
We should be supporting the Free Press unencumbered represented by the BBC. They did not report this lie. The alternate is GB News and likes of Bob Costello
Your sarcastic P155 taking out of the BBC is of the highest order, I salute you!
GB News as you likely know, is the most watched news channel in Great Britain or so they claim. They would be crucified by the lefty lunes for making that claim if it were not true.
The fact mostly old people watch the news channels may give a weird perspective.
the Kids and I don’t really watch tv. We play computer, on demand programs like Netflix, YouTube etc, use internet.
Oh dear, no P155 take intended. I have never and would not watch GB News, they are simply a UK Clone of Fox. I am not of the Luney Left. I was someone who spent a long time pounding the streets on behalf of one Maggie Thatcher who would not recognise UK politics now.
If you watch this you may change your mind.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUtUWXKOqXI&ab_channel=GBNews
The BBC may not have reported this particular misinformation but they are the same as any other outlet and often publish head lines which are intended to misrepresent.
Sorry, do not believe the BBC ever intend to mislead. But hey-ho maybe I am simply old fashioned.
They intentionally misreported in an article on a study on why London had the densest traffic in Europe at the time.
The study itself clearly stated it was because of the UK coming out of lockdown earlier, however the BBC decided to say the study blamed it on cycle lanes.
Despite those who carried out the study correcting them in an open letter the next day the BBC still waited weeks to correct the article.
The BBC use the same outrage baiting tactics as the rest of them.
Now now….
Hardly, they tell porkies all the time. Accusing them of confirmation bias falls short of the mark. It infers some unintentional bias rather than journalistic malpractice. deliberate false statements and dishonest reporting.
I recall watching an interview for Panorama made by John Sweeny. That was so dishonestly edited, an interviewees answers to questions were rearranged to totally reverse the intended meaning! The interviewee secretly recorded the entire event and broadcast it publicly, with the BBC’s grossly damning version. It was cut and dried, blatant dishonest reporting. One of the best sting operations ever. It is still available on line somewhere.
Problem is with shows like panorama they think they have a story spend months investigating it but then find it may not be as sensational as they first thought but rather than can it I suspect they want to double down on the time invested and use creative editing to sensationalise. After all even journalist don’t like to walk into the bosses office and say they were wrong and they’ve just blown 6 months and a pile of cash on nothing.
That happens too. But there are blatant examples of journalistic malpractice. deliberate false statements and dishonest reporting.
John Sweeny is an investigative reporter and i doubt very much that he would agree to a dishonest slant on his investigation. Maybe you should listen to some of his podcasts they are on the whole very enlightening.
Sounds like you work for the BBC. Ignoring overwhelming evidence to spout propaganda.
I suppose what I am looking for from any broadcaster, especially a public funded broadcaster, is the truth about the present and the past and the options (including the most likely option) for the future. This might be expensive & difficult to obtain but it can’t be as costly as misleading the population.
Read an interesting comment by an Estonian guy who greatly supports Ukraine who pointed out a number of articles you find published in respectable media articles even the Financial Times in an article last week, clearly fed by the Russian propagandists but do so because that ‘news’ attracts extra clicks and interests on a very large scale boosting their own exposure. Being used as useful idiots even when they know it sadly. Ties in infact with the flat earthers or sad individuals like Costello, who have a great need to be noticed and feel important and powerful in often dreamy… Read more »
Anyone else find Bob incredibly annoying, a bore who lectures people at a family bbq or some guy in a pub claiming to know everything but when challenged reverses the argument back at you. I was in Starbucks in Sheffield and a bore sits in there every Saturday all day with his laptop and engages strangers with ‘facts’ when all they want to do is ignore him. I’m sat there as he’s lecturing a German couple (previously minding their own business) with the ‘fact’ that the British invented the concentration camp and the first to do it, not the Germans.… Read more »
‘Bob’ was / is right on the Brits being the first with concentration camps during the Boer war. Their (the Brits) acts of incarceration on women and children, and the resultant deaths of 27,000 in concentration camps, are well recorded.
In today’s world it would be classed as genocide and a crime against humanity.
It never fails to amaze me regards the self-flagellation carried out by the ethical latte brigade on seeing a lilly white face in the mirror. That self loathing is championed by peoples who don’t have a stellar record on human rights . So yes its somewhat trendy to berate the European Empires for empire, Imperialism and of course colonialism where the person throwing the stones knows only too well that anybody who tries to correct the misinformation peddled as historical fact can easily be cnacleed and silenced by playing the race card. Problem for people like you, is I’m not f-ing… Read more »
Very well said Sir. Your parents are to be congratulated on raising such a level headed son. It would be my pleasure to buy you a beer or two sometime.
I’m surprised your reply has not been flagged and deleted!
Impressive.
Same, same. Top shelf Farouk!!
I just answered his post but then read your post that answered it in a much better way and with much more gravitas.
Yeh …. but its all over the history books….
I should have read your post but I also responded before reading.
Wow ! That is some reply. Well done Sir, I salute you.👏
God in Heaven, you’re a mine of information. Thanks for that.
BOOOOM!!!! Farouk at his very best. And the latte brigade are utterly silent.
I’m copying this one.
As a member of the latte brigade I do love it when you lot get this triggered so easily.
But overall I agree, giving something a name is not the same as being the first to do something. Pretending the British invented it requires denying it ever happened to anyone else before then.
I’m going to surprise you here by pointing out that my political bent is to the left of the colour spectrum .That came about to my time in Honduras and El Salvador and seeing how such countries laden with riches had such stark differences in wealth. For example I used to visit both countries once a fortnight when I was based in Belize and I would be put up in Hotels and be entertained by the Embassies on a night time . In Tegucigalpa I would be picked up around 7pm and return around midnight, I would then be picked… Read more »
No it was not, The actual term ‘concentration camp’ was invented by the Spanish (as campo de concentración or campo de reconcentración) in 1896 – three years before the 2nd Anglo-Boer War (1899 – 1904) started. It originated during The Cuban War of Independence (Guerra de Independencia cubana, 1895–98) was the last of three liberation wars that Cuba fought against Spain.
The Spanish were the first , then the Americans then it was the British, so they certainly was not the first. and the British only first set them up to house British refugees from the sackings by the Boer, they changed later by Kitchener to round up boer families which then resulted in disease. It was awful but no families were intentionally murdered so not genocide, so turn down the rhetoric. BTW don’t compare todays standards to then, as that rule applies to every tribe that ever lived almost and all would not measure up.
Umm not quite actually you are pushing a myth
The first use of concentration camps was by Spain in the Cuban War of Independence or Guerra de Independencia Cuba from 1895–98 with the USA being able the Spanish-American War with the British being 3rd to use them
I actually doubt Brits were the first. It’s likely the likes of the Romans, Ghengist Khan etc forcibly incarcerated people. It’s incredibly easy to call out history and judge by the standards we adopt today. Obviously those who gave a political agenda tend to be very selective about who use as examples. Isn’t it odd historically it seems only white people are the only ones to have ever done anything nasty according to these people. It’s not just what these people comment on but what they don’t comment on tells us a lot.
I think you’ll find the Romans beat us to it. Following Caesar’s campaign through Gaul. He had camps set up to separate the captured men from women and children. Those men that didn’t bend the knee were slain on the spot, those that bent the knee were put into slavery.
I forgot to mention that and I’ve read what seems like every book on the Roman Empire. You’re right, Caesar was hardcore and utterly ruthless as the Gauls found, he wiped out hundreds of thousands of them. In fact why isn’t France wanting reparations and a formal apology from Italy, the Italians need to be taught how evil they are and tear down all those statues down in Rome. I say that being sarcastic but I did cheer when the statue of Coulson was taken down in Bristol, so clearly I’m conflicted on this subject and need a lay down.
This is incorrect, historically inaccurate, myth and misinformation. While the British did use concentration camps against the Boers, they were not the first, “In July 1900, antiwar MP David Lloyd George noted that Britain was in the process of repeating Spanish atrocities in Cuba.” DLG, was refering to CCs from four/five years previously. “Newspapers also noted the echoes of the Spanish approach in Cuba, and some of them enthusiastically called on the government to embrace a policy of reconcentration. The Pall Mall Gazette advocated the use of camps and recommended adopting Weyler’s model but stopping just short of starving Boer… Read more »
No the brits were not consentration camps are as old as war itself you can go back to Roman times when the romans herded people into camps
“Bob” was wrong. The first concentration camps were set up by the Spanish in Cuba in 1896 to incarcerate the rural population during the Cuban War of Independence.
At one time, they held one third of the population, with over 127,000 (10% of the population) dying.
Didn’t he used to be a double act with Diane Abbott? I’m sure they were a lot funnier then.
Damn you beat me too it
Bob has a blog (linked into his twitter page) and he comes across as somebody who loves to peddle misinformation: and here is what he has to say about the Ukraine on the 3rd of Feb 2023: Ukraine Well what can I say, but I told you so. Ukraine is on the point of collapse and hopefully with it will also come the beginning of the collapse of NATO which has been a willing participant in the war with Russia. If that happens, it will be the start of a peaceful world as NATO led by the USA has been… Read more »
Yes. The odd fact mixed cleverly and deliberately with misinformation designed to mislead. To me it looks like the efforts of many people trying to weave words to fit a pro-russian and anti-west narrative. I doubt Bob cares one fig about Gaza.
Nor should he care about a terrorist enclave. With any luck and good planning, the Israelis will end the “Land for Peace experiment.” Resettling Gaza with Israeli farmers. Many British people have quickly forgotten why the IDF had to clean the place out. It’s a measure of how antisemitism has metastasised in our fine country. The antisemitic race riot recently held on Tower Bridge showed where the increase originated. Allegedly, British MP’s are terrified to leave the House of Commons because of the associated intimidation. One even resigned due to death threats because he stood up for a fellow parliamentary… Read more »
George let’s not get carried away. Both sides need to understand that Israel exists and is going nowhere whilst at the same time Israel is surrounded by Arab countries who also are going nowhere. Both sides need to accept that they need to co-exist. Until both populations decide to accept that reality this situation is not going to improve for anyone.
Nobody cares what the west thinks – we have absolutely no influence. We might be able to help if invited by all the parties but until then it is out of our hands.
Your argument is sound. However, I’m not so sure that the West has no influence or right to be involved in the Arab/Israeli fight. It’s as relevant to us as the Russo/Ukrainian squabble, maybe more so. We drew the lines on the map creating most of the countries in question. More importantly, due to immigration (legal or otherwise) the fighting spills over onto our streets. Neither things apply to Ukraine. Israel is very much a western style democracy sat in the middle of a alien cultural desert. If we had brought them into NATO, with article 5 protection. Several wars… Read more »
Israel has adopted a policy of self-reliance which has served it well. Israel is in no need of support nor in my opinion does it want it. The six day war proved that beyond doubt. Yes in theory the US, UK and other countries have backed Israel in the past however Israel continue to look after themselves with the message that “If you mess with Israel you will pay a terrible price”. The US, for example, might wish to exert pressure on Israel but what can it do? To Israelis nothing is more important than their survival. Success with Ukraine… Read more »
I agree about Israeli motivation and martial prowess. That’s why I admire them so much. Although I suggested them joining NATO, the time for that has passed us by. The alliance would need to toughen up considerably to match Israeli determination. It would be nice if the remaining population of gaza would denounce terrorism, Iranian support and perhaps their religion based antisemitism. However, the likelihood of that happening is less than democracy taking root in Afghanistan. (Iraq, Iran, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Sudan or Syria.) Lebanon came closest but we know what happened there. Israel needs to remove the threat from… Read more »
George I fully accept that this is a religeous conflict and as such unlikely to reach any kind of a satisfactory resolution. I was astonished that the Good Friday agreement came to pass let alone this … This is partly why I feel the West has little if any influence. It should perhaps be noted that increasingly the inhabitants of some of those countries you quoted wish to move on. Perhaps that will happen although it might also be true to say that whole region might well be destined for a long and brutal war. I am certainly puzzled as… Read more »
All sides involved with the Good Friday agreement were influenced by the western liberal society around them. That in my humble opinion was why the unlikely move towards peace took hold. Peace marches attended by right minded people and a good many concessions by T. Blair behind closed doors, sealed the deal. = The dangerous supporting work done by our security forces cannot be over emphasised. Unsung heroes as always. It may have all broken down if not for a number of fortuitous events shortly thereafter. Such as 9/11, the resulting US demand for a war on terror and it’s… Read more »
Correction, that would be Stepan Andriyovych Bandera. His followers who joined the SS, were welcomed to GB after WWII as refugees rather than war criminals. (I thought everyone knew that.) Their role in establishing MI6 agents in the USSR (Ukraine) cannot be emphasised strongly enough. Thank you gentleman, you helped win the Cold War (CW) and bring the evil USSR down. That’s partly why there is still a growing Bandera cult today. There is a brief precis of the events and timeline minus the CW dirty details, published by Mark Felton on YouTube. Bob C. obviously missed that episode for… Read more »
George is right on this one: it’s disinformation rather than misinformation. It’s done deliberatly for effect, not idly through neglect.
😉
Devils advocate time. People want “freedom”, so with that comes risks. Personally I do not see the point in “X”. I mean who has the time to sit reading obvious crap? As the vast majority of the population are, to put it in layman’s terms thick, it is no wonder stuff like this happens. Critical thinkers do not trust MSM. Most will garner information from various sources and draw their own conclusions right or wrong. With “freedom” in communication you will always have misinformation. The internet acts as a way for many people with personality disorder, social inadequacies and a… Read more »
Tik Tok is Chinese,X/ twitter is owned.by a Russian sympathiser why are we surprised? Social media is a cess pit!
Bud, corporations, billionaires and communists. A recipe for disaster. Shame because the internet is one of mans greatest ever accomplishments.
Excellent post by a critical thinker. Cheers John. Give that faithful canine a belly rub from me.
Generally agree with the author but think he is putting the boot into this Costello man a little bit here. Chap is in a t-shirt in his profile picture not uniform. Civilian casualties should be avoided – he is talking the Navy down though so he’s a rotter but we don’t use the stocks any more!
This Costello geezer is a sad, SNP fascist who supports other none democratic fascist organisations such as Putins Russia. He obviously dislikes the very organisation, NATO, which has kept him free and safe to gob off. A typical example of a chip on the shoulder loser who has never attained the heights he deemed he should have. I have no doubt he is currently happy we have the anti semite Galloway winning the Islamic Republic of Rochdale local election.
Costello is a rare creature a level headed fool! The chips on both shoulders are the only things keeping him balanced. Stay frosty!
Every Saturday morning as a child I would go to the Odean for Saturday morning Pictures and laugh at Abbot and Costello and their slap,stick humour ,it’s sad too ser Abbot leave the Duo and watch Costello become such a sad man curse the Interweb .We are talking about the same Costello aren’t we ? .Either way their both Clowns
Who’s on 4th? 😉
You two sound older than me. Saturday morning kids matinee; Abbot and Costello. What next, trams, charabancs and saving farthings for wakes week?
I just hope Costello gets prosecuted for such a stunt.
It’s Now a Bingo hall boo hoo😭
Well done on having having the patience to map out the rabbit hole.
My logic here starts with the personal brand of the source.
It’s a bullshit-artist from the deranged end of Scottish Nationalism, with all the usual tells, therefore credibility = zero.
Therefore ignore.
I contribute to the Hell site on occasion…As George is no doubt aware. I also put my tenp’enth in on Miss-information Bob’s tweet. Being limited to a set number of letters you must be short and succinct when dealing with such tweets.
I usually switch to my use of colourful language and detailed explanations of their lies and errors which invariably gets me blocked by them.
Another trend from him is to only answer specific posts from people with a large base following. That way his misinformation is pushed out a lot further and wider.
This is a greater threat than most people realise..it’s not just about a tin hat brigade to be laughed at. There is an underlying weakness in the western world around the us of political warfare..this is just another example of that. China especially looks for individuals to feed narrative’s that sown discord in the west. They are not even particularly interested in any specific agenda they are simply trying to create mistrust in the institutions amongst the population and large splits in which the population will become discontent. China has around 3million individuals active in this political warfare dominate and… Read more »
It should be an offence to make unproven accusations about the UK military if the courts accept that such Comment caused members of the armed forces to be placed in danger or cause unnecessary anxiety to their family and loved ones.Imagine the worry to the families of the crews on that ship if they had read the comment. Punishment should be a period in prison for such offences. Personally I preferred this guy when he was with his mate Abbot, he was almost funny then.
I think you missed the biggest falsehood there that prepares his further lies with an underlying sub conscious message. ‘This is the British military who think it’s good idea to go to war with Russia’. In what warped world is that in anyway in alliance with the truth? Nobody in any position of authority and influence in the military is seeking a conflict with Russia or itching to get into a fight. People like Costello others like Galloway or Corbyn for that matter, simply conflate being prepared for what might become an enforced conflict with actually seeking a conflict. Such… Read more »
You’d know if diamond or any other warship got hit, you’d the chancellor and defence secretary running for toilet as they know they can’t afford to replace it