Countering the Spread of Misinformation on Informal Social Media Networks: Media Literacy Implications

• In Event: Media Literacy in a Time of Crisis

Abstract

Educating democratic citizens is essential for promoting responsible and ethical citizenry. As social media platforms become central hubs of information access and exchange, concerns over democratic debate within them are escalating. This study reports on implications offered by laypersons and professionals on the role media literacy plays in limiting the spread of misinformation, and the actions they believe society ought to take to address this problem. Thematic analysis was conducted on nineteen individual interviews and nine focus group data from 67 citizens, journalists and policymakers, who participated in three co-creation workshops focused on developing software to counter misinformation on social media. We discuss the implications for strengthening media literacy interventions to counter online misinformation and promote critical engagement with information.

Authors

• Christiana Varda, Cyprus University of Technology

• Eleni A. Kyza, Cyprus University of Technology