Leaked internal documents from Chinese company GoLaxy, a state-aligned firm that uses AI to drive large-scale influence operations, categorizes Taiwanese people into four groups for precise targeting. In a media interview, China Strategic Risk Institute researcher Athena Tong (唐若凌) explained that this system, in conjunction with the social media platform Threads, may amplify the effects of cognitive manipulation tactics and increase the risk of information asymmetry.

GoLaxy harvests data and deploys propaganda at scale, employing AI to generate highly personalized and difficult-to-discern information, which, Tong said, can be unintentionally cited by experts, scholars, or online influencers, who transform it into seemingly valuable arguments.

Tong details that the leaked documents divided Taiwanese people into four categories: "die-hards," "friendlies," "swingers," and "objectives." The system then tailored narratives to each category and their opposing viewpoints, guiding beliefs, and dividing the people. With local elections approaching in Taiwan at the end of the year, such tactics will become "more refined in their targeting," she said. 

Tong points out that, unlike other Meta products like Facebook or Instagram, Threads' algorithm aggressively pushes similar content, making it easy for users to become engrossed and unable to break free. She admits this is a uniquely dangerous phenomenon with Threads, especially as Taiwan users account for the largest share of Threads' global traffic.

Faced with sophisticated cognitive warfare attacks, Tong advises following several steps, the first being to control one's emotions, because “impulsive responses increase interaction rates.” Instead of spending time immediately replying or forwarding, it's better to trace the facts further and find the source or relevant information for verification — this is the cultivation of "psychological resilience."

Tong emphasized that influential public accounts play a crucial role in protecting democracy, urging online celebrities and media outlets not to rush to break news. She stressed the importance of careful verification before disseminating information, a social responsibility that communicators must fulfill.

Beyond individual efforts, Tong stressed the vital role of social media platforms, citing the EU's Digital Services Act as a key step, mandating accountability from tech giants.