This isn't Ofcom's first dive into this topic, and this latest study dug deep with interviews, expert discussions, and workshops to understand how different people react to fake news and what kind of messages might actually resonate.
What Did They Find?
The report revealed some fascinating insights:
- "It's Them, Not Me!": Interestingly, most people tend to believe other generations are more susceptible to misinformation. Younger people often think older generations are more likely to fall for it, and vice versa. Turns out, we all need to be on our guard!
- The Struggle is Real: Identifying dodgy info online is tough. Why? Think about the sheer volume of information hitting us daily. Then there's the growing mistrust of AI, data and statistics that appear out of context, and even cultural and language barriers. Plus, let's be honest, not everyone has the skills and awareness to critically evaluate everything they see.
- Breaking Away is Hard: Once you're part of an online community, it can be really difficult to challenge or move away from information shared there. People worry about being isolated or even losing their identity within those groups. Finding alternative, reliable evidence can also be a massive hurdle.
- Keep it Calm: A big takeaway was that conversations about misinformation should be non-confrontational and judgement-free. No one wants to feel lectured or criticised for what they've read.
- All Hands on Deck: Helping people navigate this minefield needs a multi-channel approach. We're talking about everything from person-to-person chats and community spaces to social media, TV, radio, and even billboard campaigns. The report also suggests focusing on the resources available to help us critically evaluate information and the benefits of looking at a wide range of sources.
Ofcom's Role in the Fight
Ofcom has a significant role to play here. Under the Communications Act 2003, they're tasked with promoting and researching media literacy. The new Online Safety Act 2023 has really beefed up these duties, requiring Ofcom to build public awareness about media literacy and online safety. Crucially, they also have a duty to help us understand the nature and impact of disinformation and misinformation, and to help reduce our exposure to it.
A new Online Information Advisory Committee has been set up under the Act to provide Ofcom with expert advice on this specific area.
Through their "Making Sense of Media" programme, Ofcom will continue to fund research and support fantastic grassroots projects that work with expert organisations. If you want to know more about their three-year media literacy strategy and their ongoing work, you can find all the details on their website.
Source and detailed information: Ofcom (27 May 2025)
