Our alum Pekka Kallioniemi: Human-computer interaction researcher became award-winning geopolitical influencer

Popularising geopolitical discourse

Pekka Kallioniemi is known as a disinformation researcher and a bold social media influencer. In recent years, he has particularly focused on information operations in Russia, especially on online channels.

Pekka's educational background is in human-computer interaction, which he studied for both his master's and doctoral degrees at Tampere University. Pekka received his PhD in 2018, after which he worked as a researcher at the university. After nearly fourteen years at the university, Pekka became a full-time entrepreneur and social media worker in early 2025.

“I would describe myself as a geopolitical social media influencer and a science populariser. Science is often perceived as somewhat elitist and something that only attracts a small group of people. I strive to follow the scientific method in all my work and yet explain things in a way that my own parents would understand,” Pekka says.

The transition to full-time entrepreneurship was made possible, among other things, by Pekka's popular English-language Vatniksoup discussion chain on the X messaging service. The year 2024 also saw the publication of Pekka’s non-fiction book ‘Vatnik Soup - The Ultimate Guide to Russian Disinformation’.

As for information operations, Pekka points out that there are many types of information influencing and not all of them are hostile. One should always use a critical eye, however, as it is often difficult to know where the information comes from and how it has been validated.

Focusing on social media alone can give you an overly negative view of the world. You should keep in mind the real world and its many great, positive aspects."

Pekka Kallioniemi

“Focusing on social media alone can give you an overly negative view of the world. You should keep in mind the real world and its many great, positive aspects,” Pekka says.

Instruction in human-computer interaction was ahead of its time

Considering Pekka’s long-standing role as a postdoctoral researcher and an influencer, his early educational background was quite exceptional. Pekka did not have a matriculation certificate when applying for his master's programme at the university. Instead, he had a business college degree with an IT focus.

“I immediately enjoyed studying human-computer interaction. The studies had a strong technological focus, and I also tapped into the freedom to choose minors by taking a lot of psychology and education studies. All this supported my own interests. Overall, I think that the synergy between different subjects could be emphasised even more than it is emphasised today,” he says.

I immediately enjoyed studying human-computer interaction. The studies had a strong technological focus, and I also tapped into the freedom to choose minors by taking a lot of psychology and education studies. All this supported my own interests. Overall, I think that the synergy between different subjects could be emphasised even more than it is emphasised today."

Pekka Kallioniemi

Pekka praises the teaching staff for keeping up to date with the latest technological developments. When Pekka was studying towards his master's degree, smartphones, touch screens, speech recognition and smart glasses had not yet become commonplace, but they were already discussed in the studies.

“What we now see on the market are technologies we covered in our studies fifteen years ago. Teachers were well aware of trends, and they were able to predict the future. Academic research drives development,” Pekka says.

The best lesson learned in studies: the scientific method

Pekka feels that the university has given him a lot. He formed many valuable friendships during his studies, and he still keeps in touch with a certain group of researchers. For him, this represents alum activities at their best.

On the professional side, Pekka highlights a particular takeaway from the university.

“The best thing I got from the university was the scientific method. I learned to do research in a way that stands up to challenging and criticism. I always say that you can challenge what I say, but do it with facts. I'll admit it if I'm wrong–everyone is wrong sometimes. But your argument must be good and scientifically valid. This takes practice through work and routine,” he says.

Pekka considers Tampere University to be the best university in the country. He says that he felt welcome from the first moment he walked into the building and that the good spirit came through immediately. As for current and future students, Pekka recommends studying subjects that appeal to their own interests and arouse their enthusiasm and passion.

Text: Tiina Leivo

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