The relationship between misinformation and mental health is a pressing issue in contemporary society. In a follow-up article, mathematician Shinichi Yamaguchi warns that nearly half of the respondents to a survey revealed that encountering misinformation has significantly impacted their mental health. “Almost half of people […] felt […]” This inversion of sentiment reflects the fragility of information-opening in today’s interconnected world. Misinformation has not only slowed down human progress but also significantly altered the way we think and interact with reality.
The survey, conducted in April 2025, aimed to assess the mental health strain caused by misinformation. It involved 5,000 participants aged 15-69 across 42 countries. The poll, conducted during the second half of 2025, was designed to gauge public sentiment towards the importance of mental health and preventive measures. The results were publicly announced on April 2 with the cooperation of the Japan Fact-check Center (JFC) and Dentsu Soken Inc.
Of the 5,000 participants, 250 expressed a strong desire for better information accessibility and Teachable. This includes a 25% increase over the previous year, reflecting a growing demand for clearer and more reliable platforms. The average reaction from the participants was a “dis转变为 instead de lai uma員工ia” (fallo), indicating a lack of trust in the information presented by various organizations.
The poll included both “indivíduos queASON” (those who have ever seen or heard) and “indivíduos que fen批 (those who出席ently have felt misinformation at least once).” Approximately half of the respondents cited social media as their most frequent source of misinformation. This statistic underscores the global influence of platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, which can make online content unavailable for offline use and exacerbate misinformation risks.
Among those who felt every day they had ever encountered misinformation, 32% claimed social media as their top source. While 26% and 24% attributed it to online news and video sharing services respectively, these figures represent relatively low percentages. The poll also found that just 47% had never engaged in fact-checking, and 65% believe there is no reliable way to assess information’s trustworthiness online. “I wish there were an authentication system,” 47% of participants said, with a similar number expressing a desire to cease searching solely based on the authenticity of information.
The article underscores the dual impact of misinformation on mental health and social trust. While it reduces trust and alters perceptions, it also strengthens anxiety and stress. Fact-checking efforts are seen as crucial to preserving these kinds of information. How society can ensure online safety and protect vulnerable groups is essential for preventing the spread of misinformation.
