Disinformation Landscape - Disinformation is not new, but technological advancements have amplified its spread [4] - False information spreads seven times faster and is 70% more likely to be shared than truthful information [6] - 95% of the population has shared fake news at some point, with 7% doing so for economic or propagandistic reasons, and 3-5% to harm someone [6] - Social media algorithms contribute to incidental information exposure, tailoring content based on user preferences [5] - Over half of young people struggle to differentiate between fake and real news, with 70% relying solely on social media for information [10] Impact on Journalism - Traditional media faces a crisis with shrinking newsrooms and fewer resources for quality journalism [11][12] - Media outlets increasingly rely on public administrations for funding, potentially compromising their role as government watchdogs [13][14] Combating Disinformation - Critical thinking is essential; verify information from multiple sources before sharing [21][28] - Evaluate the source of information, including the journalist, media outlet, and potential biases [16] - Be wary of influencers and content creators who are not journalists, as they may lack journalistic rigor [18] - Recognize that virality does not equate to credibility [17] - Disinformation polarizes society, divides, and turns individuals into unpaid armies for powerful groups and political parties [27]

Political & Economic Analysis - The Brexit vote in 2016 resulted in unfulfilled promises, including a stagnant economy, reduced GDP, political instability, and no decrease in non-European immigration [2] - Post-truth and misinformation are major global risks, impacting convivencia and reducing the ability to control power [4][6][7] - Disinformation undermines knowledge, potentially risking survival by influencing beliefs on issues like climate change and vaccinations [9][10] Societal Impact - The primary searches on Google after the Brexit vote were about understanding the EU, highlighting a lack of prior knowledge [3] - Digital platforms are being used to spread anger, fear, and envy, hindering constructive dialogue [7] - The erosion of truth can lead to a loss of freedom, placing citizens at the mercy of those in power [8] Proposed Solutions - Regulation of platform companies is needed to combat misinformation, including banning automated accounts [12][13] - Protecting professional journalism is crucial for a functioning democracy [13] - Media and digital literacy should be integrated into basic education to build resilience against manipulation [14][15] - Personal responsibility, including a love for truth and a willingness to consider diverse perspectives, is essential [16][17][20]