Online Fake News Worries 85% of Citizens in 16 Countries, Survey Finds

Ahead of next year’s elections, at least 85% of citizens worldwide are concerned about the influence of online fake news on politics and other aspects, a recent survey shows.

According to the UK daily, The Guardian, on November 7 (local time), the polling firm Ipsos obtained these results from a survey conducted from August 22 to September 25, commissioned by UNESCO. The survey involved 8,000 participants from 16 countries, including the U.S., Mexico, and India, all of which will hold presidential or general elections next year.

More than 85% of the 8,000 respondents expressed concern about the influence of online fake news. Notably, 87% of respondents believe that false information has already had a significant impact on their country’s politics and will influence the results of next year’s elections.

Access news through social media but don’t trust it

The proportion of respondents who believe that the government and regulatory authorities should regulate social media to resolve the fake news issue quickly was also 88%.

56% of respondents who use the internet said they access news through social media rather than traditional media such as TV. However, the proportion of those who trust news from social media was only 50%, lower than the proportions of those who trust TV news (66%), radio (63%), and news from media websites (57%).

68% of respondents pointed to social media as where online fake news spreads the most. This surpasses the proportions of those who meant to use messaging apps (38%) and media websites (20%).

Need to strengthen vigilance against fake news during election campaigns

Most respondents also urged for increased vigilance against fake news during election campaigns. 89% of respondents said that direct intervention by the government and regulatory authorities is necessary, and 91% said that social media platforms should be alert during this period.

Matthew Galard of Ipsos said, “People across all countries and social categories, regardless of age, education, or location, are seriously concerned about false information,” adding, “They are apprehensive about fake news during elections and want everyone to fight against it.”

Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, also warned at a press conference that online false information “poses a serious threat to social integration, peace, and stability.”

President Yoon: “Fake news can suppress freedom and threaten elections”

Meanwhile, President Yoon Suk Yeol also pointed out that the surge in fake news could threaten the democratic system. President Yoon, who attended the ‘First AI Safety Summit’ held in the UK on November 2 via video conference, said, “The emergence of generative AI such as ChatGPT has enhanced our lives’ convenience and increased industrial productivity. However, the digital divide is exacerbating economic inequality, and the surge in fake news can suppress our freedom and threaten elections and other democratic systems.”

He added, “Digital technologies, including AI, should only contribute to expanding human freedom and welfare and should not threaten individual and societal safety.”

By. Heo Mi Dam