Countering disinformation and conspiracy theories through education

Since the advent of digital (and in particular social) media, anyone can post content on the internet and reach millions of others within minutes. As we consume and transmit information faster and faster, the spread of misinformation and disinformation also accelerates, creating a breeding ground for conspiracy theories.

How do we get exposed to misleading information?

In social media, algorithms curate content based on user preferences and engagement patterns, which can create echo chambers in which individuals are repeatedly exposed to similar views and ideas. This can reinforce biases and beliefs, and has the potential to limitlessly amplify disinformation. 

Young people are particularly vulnerable to this dynamic, as they often have not yet developed the critical thinking skills to question the validity of what they see online. On platforms like TikTok, the rapid flow of content – often dictated by algorithms prioritising engagement over accuracy – further compounds this issue.

Digital literacy is an essential skill set

The surge of disinformation has stressed the importance of digital literacy, including media literacy competences, even among young children. Recognising the sources and evaluating the truthfulness of information are central to learning and developing a critical mind. Part of this process is asking questions, such as: ‘How can we distinguish trustworthy sources of information from others?’, or ‘How can we recognise the ways information influences us?’  

• To help teachers to address these concerns, the European Commission has developed guidelines on tackling disinformation, available in all EU languages. The guidelines offer practical teaching and learning tips and activity plans for the classroom practice, e.g. researching together with pupils why disinformation is created.

Debunking conspiracy theories: a challenge for modern education

One particularly concerning trend is the rise of conspiracy theories, which can polarise society and fuel violent extremism. Conspiracy theories, which increasingly target younger people, can damage people and society in different ways:

1. They identify an enemy or a secret plot that threatens peoples' lives or beliefs, which sparks a defence mechanism and can provoke discrimination.
2. They spread distrust in public institutions, which leads to political apathy or radicalisation.
3. They undermine trust in scientific and medical information, which has serious consequences for public health and safety.

Recognising the challenge for schools, the European Commission and UNESCO have produced a set of ten educational infographics and a specific guide for teachers to identify, debunk and counter such theories.

Media literacy competencies enable pupils to access, understand and critically interact with media, and support them to become responsible and well-informed citizens. It is essential that teachers can effectively teach and promote media literacy, and be ready to address the most serious formats of it like conspiracy theories or radicalisation.