Table of Contents 64q43
According to research conducted by Truth Quest Institute, Brazil stood out negatively among 21 nations evaluated, presenting the lowest index on the ability of adults in the country to discern the veracity of online news. The study, published by Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), in June, sheds light on growing concerns about digital education and the population's ability to deal with the proliferation of false online content and misinformation in the digital age. 4x164i
Research on the ability to identify false content on the internet 5b75v
The research, conducted by truth quest institute in partnership with OECD with more than 40 thousand participants in 21 countries, highlighted that Brazil had the worst global performance, with only 54% accuracy in identifying fake news, compared to the general average of 60% among all countries evaluated.
One of the most alarming data from the research TruthQuest was the observation that, unlike many other countries where participants tend to believe more true news than fake news, in Brazil, Colombia and the United States, this trend is reversed. This suggests a greater susceptibility to the spread of misinformation among the inhabitants of these countries. Satire was identified as the most easily identified type of disinformation, with 71% of global respondents recognizing it as such, while in Brazil, only 57% were able to make this distinction.
The study also highlighted that social networks are the main environment where people find it difficult to discern between true and false information. Although they are a crucial source of information for many respondents, 51% said they did not trust them, with only 9% stating very high trust. This scenario is particularly relevant in Latin America, where more than 85% of respondents from Colombia, Mexico and Brazil said they regularly access information through social networks, despite the difficulty in evaluating the veracity of this information.
The result of the study highlights the urgent need for educational initiatives and public policies aimed at promoting digital literacy and media criticism, aiming to strengthen people's ability to identify and combat the spread of false information online. A OECD emphasizes that the development of these skills is essential not only for protecting democracy and public trust, but also for promoting more informed and resilient societies in the contemporary digital environment.
A OECD has increasingly highlighted the importance of tackling disinformation as a global priority, as evidenced by the report “Facts, not lies: Combating misinformation, strengthening information integrity“, based on studies carried out in 24 member countries. The report points out that many countries are reviewing their existing policies and institutions to deal more effectively with a constantly evolving information environment. The spread of misinformation not only undermines public trust, but also impacts crucial areas such as public health, national security and climate change efforts.
To mitigate these challenges, the OECD emphasizes the urgent need to strengthen digital and media literacy, equipping individuals with critical skills to discern truthful information from false information. Furthermore, public policies must promote transparent and proactive communication, free from political influence, to educate the public about the risks associated with disinformation. The organization also highlights the importance of a collaborative approach between governments, digital platforms and media outlets to develop cohesive and effective national strategies that strengthen the integrity of information and protect freedom of expression.
Risks and consequences for Brazil 2x4e36
To understand the weight of disinformation on the future of Brazil as a nation, it is crucial to understand the risks and consequences associated with this growing phenomenon. In a global context of rapid dissemination of information through digital platforms, disinformation presents significant challenges to the country's democratic stability, social cohesion and economic development.
In 2022, just before the presidential elections, a survey conducted by ipec revealed that a significant majority of 85% of Brazilians believed that fake news could exert a decisive influence on electoral results. This data not only illustrates the population's widespread perception of the manipulative power of disinformation, but also indicates a significant vulnerability to false and manipulative information campaigns during crucial electoral periods.
The dissemination of false information can have profound and far-reaching impacts on Brazilian society. In addition to distorting public debate and polarizing opinions, disinformation undermines trust in democratic institutions and the electoral process, thus weakening the health of the political system. When fake news is deliberately disseminated to influence political decisions, the integrity of elections and democratic representation are compromised, putting the legitimacy of elected governments and citizens' trust in democratic institutions at risk.
In addition to the political implications, disinformation also poses threats to public security, collective health and socioeconomic development in Brazil. During health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, false information can promote behaviors that are harmful to public health, undermining mitigation efforts and spreading conspiracy theories that undermine adherence to essential preventive measures. Likewise, in the economic context, the spread of fake news about government policies, economic indicators or financial crises can trigger volatility in the markets, harm investments and negatively affect the country's economic growth.
Conclusion 60664y
The results of the research published by OECD on the ability to identify false content on the internet, highlight the urgent need for educational initiatives and public policies aimed at promoting digital literacy and media criticism, aiming to strengthen people's ability to identify and combat the spread of false information online. A OECD emphasizes that the development of these skills is essential not only for protecting democracy and public trust, but also for promoting more informed and resilient societies in the contemporary digital environment.
To address these complex challenges, multifaceted approaches are needed that strengthen the population's media and digital literacy, promote transparency on digital platforms and encourage collaboration between governments, civil society and the private sector. Investments in critical education and information ethics are essential to enable citizens to discern between true and false information, thus reducing vulnerability to manipulation and strengthening Brazil's democratic resilience in the face of the threats of disinformation.
See also:
Sources: OECD.
review by Victor Pacheco in 15 / 07 / 2024
The people of love are champions of fake news.