Trend Shifting media landscape amplifying dis- and misinformation

Summary

The report distinguishes disinformation, the deliberate creation and spread of false or manipulated content to deceive, from misinformation, the unintentional sharing of such content, and sees both as risks to society, the economy and national security. As news consumption has moved from television and print to digital platforms, younger people in particular get news on social media, where editorial standards are looser and algorithms reward engagement rather than accuracy. As a result, posts that attract more likes and shares gain visibility over the most accurate ones. A fast-changing media landscape shaped by artificial intelligence and social media has amplified false information and fed public mistrust in technology, vaccines and institutions. The report explains that some states exploit this to interfere in democratic processes, and that political polarisation and weak digital literacy help false content spread.