How does misinformation spread online and how does it affect us?

Today, within a few seconds, a piece of information can travel from one corner of the globe to another and influence thousands of people. But what about its validity? Disinformation has evolved into one of the most complex and critical phenomena of the digital age, reinforcing extremes, challenging scientific consensus and decisively influencing decisions on issues that affect our daily lives.

As part of the MedDMO project, we are investigating how this type of content is spread on social media in Greece, Cyprus and Malta, and how it shapes opinions and behaviors on issues of public interest, such as politics, health, the environment, and technology.

This is the point where we need your help. Through online surveys, you will be asked to evaluate different examples of digital content and express your opinion on its reliability, persuasiveness, and social impact. The aim of the process is to investigate how specific misinformation narratives spread on social media and how they affect different population groups, taking into account their distinct social and communicational characteristics. Particular emphasis is placed on investigating the impact of misinformation on public debate, trust in the media, and democratic institutions. 

Public participation is a key element of this research, and therefore all procedures are carried out with the utmost respect for your  privacy and your personal data, following informed consent. By participating in the online studies and discussions organized as part of the project, you can actively contribute to the creation of a more reliable and responsible digital information environment.

Take part in the survey here.