Promoting quality news consumption through the development of a tool for fact-checking
Identification of a Social Problem:
False, misleading, or deceptive information is significantly present in both traditional and digital channels, resulting in a decrease and loss of trust in news. According to international research, 55-70% of the population in European countries distrust their own government's communication, as well as the statements from public and privately owned news channels. The lack of trust stems largely from the fact that the average user has limited or no knowledge about verifying information. By developing and teaching fact-checking procedures, it is possible to cultivate information literacy that can compensate for the loss of trust by strengthening responsible news consumption.
Research findings:
Educational materials/methodological development has been created for educators to help users recognize weaknesses in their news consumption habits.
Introduction of the developed method:
Educational materials/methodological development designed for educators assist users in recognizing weaknesses in their news consumption habits. The educational material provides users with feedback on their news consumption behavior, thereby strengthening self-reflective consumer behavior. In a user-friendly format, incorporating gamification elements, it logs and evaluates the user's news consumption, providing feedback. International experiences have also been reviewed, and the preparation for publication in this field is underway. Educational materials:
- Beyond Truth - The World of Fake News
- Why Do We Believe Fake News?
- Conspiracy Theories and Their Dangers
Contact
Gábor Polyák (Eötvös Loránd University, Faculty of Humanities)
E-mail
Miklós Lehmann (Eötvös Loránd University Faculty of Primary and Pre-School Educationr)
E-mail
More about the 2022–2023 phase of the research