The landscape of truth in Poland is shifting beneath our feet, and the latest report from the Digital Poland Foundation, Disinformation Through the Eyes of Poles: 2026 Edition, paints a sobering picture of a society increasingly adrift in a sea of falsehoods. The numbers are staggering: a full 91% of Poles now believe at least one of the 30 common fake news narratives tested by researchers. While we might like to think we are immune to viral myths, the study shows that disinformation is not just a fringe problem—it has become a mainstream fixture, deeply embedded in our opinions on everything from health and energy to national politics.
The data reveals that our collective vulnerability is not waning; in many areas, it is intensifying. False narratives surrounding climate change, technology, and health are gaining steady traction. For instance, more than half of the population believes that electric cars are more prone to fire than combustion-engine vehicles, and a similar number suspects that GMO foods permanently alter human DNA. Even more troubling is the persistent and rising belief in conspiracy theories, such as the idea that the 2010 Smolensk air disaster was an assassination, or the growing suspicion that a transition to electronic payments is a covert plot to enable total government surveillance. These are not merely differences of opinion; they are fabrications that undermine the shared reality necessary for a functioning democracy.
Perhaps the most alarming finding is the widening trust gap between the citizenry and the state. When faced with a crisis, only 17% of Poles would instinctively turn to official government or police websites for information. In stark contrast, 16% would immediately reach for social media platforms like TikTok or Facebook. This isn’t just a matter of convenience; it represents a profound crisis of institutional legitimacy. Many citizens now view official channels as either too slow, too opaque, or simply less relevant than the “alternative” voices they encounter in their social feeds. We are seeing a shift where the digital “town square” provided by tech giants is eclipsing the official sources meant to safeguard public safety.
The report also highlights how political rhetoric often pours gasoline on these fires. Experts argue that politicians are increasingly weaponizing misinformation—particularly regarding climate policy and migration—to tap into the public’s fear and consolidate support. By framing complex issues as existential threats or government overreaches, political actors are inadvertently normalizing conspiracy-minded thinking. This radicalization is reflected in the popularity of “alternative” media sources, which range from fringe blogs spreading pseudo-science to more established, non-traditional outlets that prioritize engagement and provocation over rigorous fact-checking.
We are also entering a new, precarious phase of this struggle driven by technology: the era of the deepfake. With nearly half of the population reporting they have encountered AI-generated deception, the experts warn that “the era in which we could trust our eyes and ears is coming to an end.” As generative AI tools become more accessible in our pockets, the ability to manufacture reality has been democratized, making it easier than ever for malicious actors to deceive the public. The challenge is no longer just distinguishing truth from bias; it is identifying whether the audio or video we are watching even happened in the real world at all.
Ultimately, Poland finds itself in a difficult paradox. While a majority of citizens call for stronger action from platforms and the government to curb the spread of disinformation and protect national security, they simultaneously fear that these measures will slide into overbearing censorship. There is a palpable tension between the desire for safety and the instinct to protect absolute freedom of speech. Rebuilding a society capable of discerning truth will not be found in creating “alternative” government platforms, but in the slow, difficult work of restoring trust and meeting citizens with verified information in the digital spaces where they actually spend their time.