From Disinformation to Critical Media Literacy: A Study of Digitization in the United Chamber of Commerce Madrid
Researchers from the SmartVote project, involving more than twenty Spanish and Portuguese researchers, conducted a study analyzing the impact of digital disinformation (DI) in electoral processes across Spain and Portugal. Their findings highlight the growing concern about the manipulation of information through AI-driven tools, particularly by far-right groups, and underscore the challengesoth sports young generations face in understanding media literacy.
The project’s goal is to combat DI by providing tools and educational initiatives. It was launched by UC3M and OberCom, a public organization responsible for audiences in Spain and Portugal, participating in the study under its Portuguese office. This collaborative effort is significant, as UC3M is part of a broader Iberian consortium led by the Fundación Cibervoluntarios, aiming to address the unique context of political polarization and digital instability in the region.
Spaniards and Portugal have different purchasing habits and digital habits, which explains the differing patterns in access to electoral information. Print media, while widely used, lags behind in addressing electoral issues compared to digital platforms. Trust in news organizations is notably higher in Portugal (56%) than in Spain (33%), especially among younger adults.年轻人 in both countries show a diminished reliance on AI-generated news, despite the rise of AI-driven initiatives.
To combat DI, the report emphasizes the need to enhance media literacy, particularly among younger generations. Disinformation directly affects democracy and voter decisions, and its propagation poses significant risks. The study calls for educational strategies targeting journalists, students, and the general public, moving beyond mere identification of disinformation to understanding the mechanisms underlying its spread.
The report highlights the limitations of AI and machine learning in deterring DI. European projects such as AI4Trust and AI-CODE utilize these technologies in conjunction with human verification processes, which may improve public trust in media. At UC3M, Dr. Raúl Magallón Rosa outlines the need for media literacy, explaining that while AI can assist in detecting misinformation, its use demands transparency, freedom of expression, and privacy concerns.
The SmartVote project is tasked with addressing DI in three ways: enhancing media literacy, implementing educational activities for journalists, students, and young people interested in DI, and developing a tool to identify disinformation sources online. With incoming elections on the rise, shorter government cycles, and increased political instability, the project precedes a new wave of digital displacement, urging continued proactive efforts to counter DI.