# Cognitive warfare and information manipulation threats > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/cognitive-warfare-and-information-manipulation-threats > Updated: 2026-09-20T11:00:56.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2. Discussions regarding the impact of digital information have evolved from concerns over individual cognitive limits to broader warnings about national security and social stability. Initial analysis focused on the strategic dangers of information overload, noting that constant data streams from digital platforms can exceed human cognitive capacities. This phenomenon reportedly leads to cognitive fatigue, which impairs memory, decision-making, and the ability to distinguish relevant signals from noise, creating environments susceptible to manipulation. Subsequent warnings have framed these issues as ‘cognitive warfare.’ Experts and political leaders, including Malaysia’s Defense Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin, have identified this as a planned strategy to target human emotions and thoughts. This form of hybrid threat, often utilizing social media to manipulate topics such as race and religion, is cited as a potential driver of political instability, economic decline, and social disharmony. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-20: Cognitive warfare and social media manipulation pose security threats Experts warn that cognitive warfare and social media manipulation pose significant threats to social harmony and political stability by targeting human emotions and decision-making. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cognitive-warfare-and-social-media-manipulation-pose-security-threats ### 2026-09-02: Information overload poses cognitive risks and manipulation threats A study in Small Wars Journal warns that digital information overload causes cognitive fatigue, impairs memory, and weakens decision-making, leaving individuals vulnerable to manipulation. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/information-overload-poses-cognitive-risks-and-manipulation-threats --- Cite as: Cognitive warfare and information manipulation threats. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/cognitive-warfare-and-information-manipulation-threats