False or misleading info encountered by 80% of online users, MTU study finds

A new study from Munster Technological University (MTU) has found that 80% of people have come across deliberately false or misleading content on apps or websites in the last 12 months.

The research also found that 76% of respondents had encountered hate speech or harassment online during the same period, while 97% had never participated in media literacy training.

The MTU findings also highlighted significant concern about the online information environment. Almost nine in ten respondents (88.7%) were fairly or very concerned about the spread of disinformation, with 84.3% expressing concern about the influence of social media companies on the content they see.

MTU has launched a new digital media literacy open educational resource to help learners question the information they encounter online and better understand what shapes the content they see.

Developed by a cross disciplinary team of MTU academics, library staff and students, with input from experts at other universities, the resource helps learners pause, question and look beyond the content placed in front of them.

The open and adaptable format of the online resource allows it to support learners beyond MTU, with a national roll-out planned.