Study: 85% of EU Citizens Call for State Action Against Internet Misinformation
An impressive 85% of EU citizens are urging greater action from political authorities to counter the spread of misinformation on the internet, according to a study by the Bertelsmann Foundation published on Thursday, reports EFE.
Additionally, 89% are demanding more commitment from internet platform operators to combat misinformation.
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As per a press release by the German foundation, the desire for increased action against misinformation is accompanied by significant uncertainty about the accuracy of information disseminated online.
Among those surveyed, 54% admit to frequently doubting the authenticity of online content, and 39% have encountered specific cases of misinformation.
"Reliable information is the foundation for shaping an opinion and thus, the basis for democratic discourse", stated the study's director, Kai Unzicker.
"In Europe, people have significant uncertainty about which digital content is reliable and which is deliberately manipulated. Anyone who wants to strengthen democracy cannot leave citizens alone in the fight against misinformation", he added.
The press release notes that the data clearly indicates a need for action, as less than half of the respondents—44%—verify the information they receive via the internet, and only 22% have reported encountering false information or warned others about it.
Among well-educated young individuals, the willingness to fact-check is higher, but Unzicker warns that "the ability to recognize and report false information cannot depend on age or level of education".
The study also reveals that the more channels people use, the more likely they are to detect false information.
Twitter and Telegram users, in particular, frequently identify and report false information.
Regarding the impact of social networks on democracy, opinions are divided: 30% primarily see disadvantages, 28% believe advantages predominate, while 42% see both advantages and disadvantages.
The study recommends systematic monitoring by independent scholars and civil society actors in Germany and Europe to better detect and flag misinformation.
