Misinformation

Misinformation can harm democratic processes, social cohesion and public health outcomes. In Australia, misinformation is circulating rapidly and widely through online platforms, and citizens are increasingly concerned about it. Exposure to misinformation is directly correlated with the growing use of social media platforms and is likely to increase. However, to date, there are only a few initiatives by the media industry and government to assist citizens in combatting the spread and impact of misinformation. Citizens are largely left to their own devices to deal with the overabundant information, but studies have found that Australians have low confidence in their media literacy skills.