29.11.2021 Media industry
Fake News in Poland. Challenges in Assessing Information Credibility
RINF
One in four information consumers relies on sources where verifying credibility is a significant challenge. Fake news remains a major issue, as indicated by 77% of respondents, with 51% admitting they struggle to discern truth from falsehood, according to Deloitte's *Digital Consumer Trends 2021* report.
Poczytaj artykuł
w wydaniu polskimTop methods Poles use to follow news and current events:
- 28% - television
- 28% - social media
- 18% - news websites or apps
- 8% - radio
- 10% - other
- 8% - not interested in following news
Given that over a quarter of consumers rely on sources with challenging credibility verification, fake news remains a serious problem. While 77% of respondents acknowledge the issue, 51% admit difficulty in assessing the truthfulness of information.
The high popularity of social media as an information source is concerning, as experts warn it provides an ideal environment for the rapid spread of unverified information. Moreover, fewer social media users find these platforms trustworthy compared to television (21% vs. 34%).
Source: Digital Consumer Trends 2021, DeloitteThree-quarters of respondents claim to verify the origin of the information they receive.
- The highly effective spread of unfounded theories suggests that verification often happens within other social media channels sharing the same content, says Rafał Wojciechowski, senior manager at Deloitte. - One of the biggest challenges for media and regulators should be ensuring effective mechanisms to confirm the accuracy of information.
Social Media Less Popular
The overload of false information prompts only slightly more than one-fifth of Deloitte`s respondents to stop using social media. The most common reason, cited by a third of respondents, is boredom with the platform, especially among older users (39% in the 55-65 age group). One in four mentions spending too much time on social media as a reason to quit.
Interestingly, the youngest users are the most likely to temporarily or permanently quit at least one social media platform—43% of 18-24-year-olds, compared to just one in five in the 55-65 age group.
- The desire to spend time more meaningfully, distance oneself from polarizing discussions, and improve well-being also drives users away from social media, says Maciej Dakowicz, senior manager at Deloitte Digital. - This trend requires marketers to diversify communication channels to reach different target groups and create valuable content that positively impacts users.
Find the second part of the Digital Consumer Trends 2021 report at:
https://www2.deloitte.com/pl/pl/pages/technology-media-and-telecommunications/articles/Digital-Consumer-Trends-2021-part-2.html
Identifying Fake News
Artificial intelligence is increasingly used to create fake information. Software now exists to manipulate public speeches by politicians. For instance, a video of Barack Obama delivering the same speech at different ages was generated using specialized software. This technology means public appearances by any politician can now be fabricated.
A large-scale example of fake news manipulation was the 2018 Facebook scandal. Cambridge Analytica acquired data from over 50 million Facebook users to create personalized ads influencing voter decisions. This likely impacted the Brexit vote and the U.S. presidential election.
Fake News in Poland and Europe
Three-quarters of Poles encounter fake news or distorted information at least once a week. Only 14% believe this issue does not affect them, according to Kantar Public`s Eurobarometer survey.
When asked, "Does the presence of distorted or false information pose a problem in your country?" 84% of Poles responded affirmatively:
- 49% - definitely yes
- 35% - somewhat yes
- 9% - somewhat no
- 3% - definitely no
- 4% - don`t know/no opinion
These results place Poland in line with the EU average (44% - definitely yes, 41% - somewhat yes).
Eurobarometer findings echo a Press Club Polska analysis on trust in media information, showing the highest trust in social news and the lowest in political news:
- social news: trust 68%, distrust 30%
- economic news: trust 57%, distrust 40%
- political news: trust 46%, distrust 49%
According to Press Club Polska, credibility in media is most influenced by presenting independent expert opinions, referencing scientific research, and citing diverse sources, rather than the neutrality of language or source popularity.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
New articles in section Media industry
Equality and Diversity in Media: European Broadcasting Union Report
KFi
European public media are increasingly focusing on diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI) as the foundation of their operations. Public broadcasters in Europe are implementing diversity strategies - both in content and within their teams. The findings from the report are clear: although progress is visible, many challenges remain.
How the Media Talk (or Stay Silent) About Climate. Reuters Institute Report
Krzysztof Fiedorek
Although climate change is becoming increasingly noticeable worldwide, the media have failed to maintain growing interest in the topic. The report "Climate Change and News Audiences 2024" shows that audience engagement with climate topics has remained almost unchanged for several years.
Clickbait Uncovered. How Online Headlines Evolved Over 25 Years
Krzysztof Fiedorek
Researchers from the Max Planck Institute analyzed 40 million headlines from the past 25 years. They are getting longer, more emotional, and negative, with a clear influence of clickbait style. Even reputable media use strategies and tricks to grab attention.
See articles on a similar topic:
Artificial Intelligence in the Media. Reuters Digital News Report 2024
Krzysztof Fiedorek
AI has gained prominence in recent years, and its application in producing, distributing, and presenting news content continues to grow. However, this development is met with mixed feelings by audiences, which has significant consequences for media trust and its future.
Disinformation 2024. Major Threats According to the Global Risk Report
KrzysztoF
In 2024, the world will face several global threats, including disinformation, climate change, and armed conflicts. These three challenges will have a significant impact on the economy, society, and the environment. These findings come from the "Global Risks Report" by the World Economic Forum.
Disinformation and Fake News. Experts Discuss Challenges for Journalists
RINF
The pandemic, followed by the war in Ukraine, triggered a massive wave of disinformation in media and social channels. Experts at the Impact’22 Congress in Poznań and the European Economic Congress in Katowice discussed effective strategies to combat disinformation.
Music for Overstimulated Children: Research from Polish Kindergartens
OOO
Hyperactivity, impatience, and difficulties with concentration are increasingly common challenges faced by preschool and school-aged children. An excess of stimuli, including digital ones, makes it hard for children to focus on a single task. Is there anything that can be done about it?
