Perceived exposure to disinformation and fake news is increasing across Europe, with over a third of EU citizens (36%) reporting frequent encounters with false or misleading information in the past week. This marks a significant rise from 28% in 2022, according to a recent Eurobarometer survey. However, confidence in identifying disinformation remains low, with only 12% feeling certain they can spot false claims.
Regional Disparities in Perceived Exposure
The survey reveals stark differences between countries:
- Highest perceived exposure: Hungary (57%), Romania (55%), and Spain (52%) report the highest levels. This suggests deeper vulnerabilities in these regions, possibly due to media environments or societal factors.
- Lowest perceived exposure: Finland (26%) and Germany (26%) show the lowest rates, indicating stronger media literacy or more robust fact-checking systems.
- Unexpected outliers: Luxembourg and Ireland report relatively high exposure despite being in Western Europe, while Czechia shows lower levels compared to its regional neighbors.
These regional trends matter because they reflect varying levels of media resilience. Countries with weak institutions, polarized politics, and low trust in media are more susceptible to disinformation.
Confidence Crisis: Recognizing False Information
Across the EU, only 62% feel confident in identifying disinformation, down from 64% in 2022. Confidence ranges widely, from 49% in Poland to 84% in Malta. The lack of correlation between perceived exposure and confidence is troubling: even those frequently encountering disinformation are not necessarily equipped to detect it.
What Drives These Perceptions?
The survey measures perceived exposure, not verified instances. This means responses reflect what individuals believe is false, not necessarily what is false. However, the trend is significant:
- Increased exposure: 22 EU countries saw a rise in perceived disinformation, particularly Denmark and the Netherlands (both up 19%). This suggests a worsening environment for reliable information.
- Psychological factors: As Konrad Bleyer-Simon of the Centre for Media Pluralism and Media Freedom notes, perceptions may not align with actual abilities. Overestimation or underestimation can skew results.
- Societal conditions: Polarization, economic inequality, weak education systems, and distrust in institutions all contribute to disinformation’s spread.
The Role of Media and Institutions
Strong, independent public broadcasters and effective self-regulation for private media are critical. Countries with high trust in news media and populations that rely on it rather than social media tend to be more resilient.
The rise in perceived disinformation is a symptom of broader societal challenges. Addressing this requires strengthening media literacy, reinforcing institutional trust, and combating polarization. Without these measures, the spread of false information will continue to erode public understanding and democratic processes.
