Teens struggle to spot misinformation despite daily social media use
New research reveals teens wrongly believe misinformation only affects world news or scams, leaving them vulnerable to more subtle forms of fake content.
Misinformation online now touches every part of life, from fake products and health advice to political propaganda. Its influence extends beyond beliefs, shaping actions like voting behaviour and vaccination decisions.
Unlike traditional media, online platforms rarely include formal checks or verification, allowing false content to spread freely.
It is especially worrying as teenagers increasingly use social media as a main source of news and search results. Despite their heavy usage, young people often lack the skills needed to spot false information.
In one 2022 Ofcom study, only 11% of 11 to 17-year-olds could consistently identify genuine posts online.
Research involving 11 to 14-year-olds revealed that many wrongly believed misinformation only related to scams or global news, so they didn’t see themselves as regular targets. Rather than fact-check, teens relied on gut feeling or social cues, such as comment sections or the appearance of a post.
These shortcuts make it easier for misinformation to appear trustworthy, especially when many adults also struggle to verify online content.
The study also found that young people thought older adults were more likely to fall for misinformation, while they believed their parents were better than them at spotting false content. Most teens felt it wasn’t their job to challenge false posts, instead placing the responsibility on governments and platforms.
In response, researchers have developed resources for young people, partnering with organisations like Police Scotland and Education Scotland to support digital literacy and online safety in practical ways.
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