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This paper identifies those most likely to be vulnerable to the risk of fake news, echo chambers or filter bubbles. By developing a simple, operational definition of ‘vulnerable’, this paper estimates the small proportion of Internet users who are at risk across seven countries, and seeks to identify their demographic characteristics. While statistical tendencies fit general expectations of education, employment and age being related to those most susceptible, there is also evidence suggesting that individuals across all demographic groups can fall through the cracks and be vulnerable to these risks. Given the limited size of the populations at risk, the characteristics shaping risk, and the demographic spread of the vulnerable, the principle conclusion of this analysis is that developing initiatives aimed at regulating content and Internet service providers are misplaced.
William H. Dutton, University of Southern California and University of Oxford
Laleah Fernandez, Michigan State U