Lithuanians Overwhelmingly Ignore Online Disinformation, Study Finds

A recent study commissioned by the Ministry of Culture reveals a concerning trend: a majority of Lithuanians, 56%, choose to ignore online disinformation, propaganda, and AI-generated content, even when they recognize the importance of critical thinking. This "critical thinking deficit," as the study terms it, is particularly alarming given that half of citizens encounter deepfakes and a third believe fake news they encounter. The research, as reported by Delfi, points to a significant gap between awareness and action, with only 14.6 points for the "consumer behavior component" of critical thinking. This suggests that while Lithuanians may know how to critically evaluate information, they often fail to apply these skills.

“

The study shows that a critical approach is often lacking. Every second resident encountered fake video or audio content (English deepfake). Every third encountered a lie and two out of three believed it at the time. More than half of the residents who noticed information presented differently in various sources simply ignore it.

The study, titled "Media Literacy Research," underscores the need for ingrained habits of checking information, advocating for an "information environment design" that simplifies correct decision-making. This involves more than just training; it requires features like source citations, clear authorship, and accessible verification tools. The findings also touch upon a broader societal issue: the disconnect between digital activity and civic engagement. While 79% of Lithuanians use social media, this activity rarely translates into civic action. The "civic participation component" of communication skills is negative, indicating that while people are present online, they are not actively participating as citizens or content creators.

“

The information access infrastructure in Lithuania is already strong – the question is not whether people can access information, but whether they can critically navigate it.

Furthermore, the research notes a declining trust in media independence over the past eight years, despite an increase in media literacy. This paradox suggests a growing skepticism fueled by algorithms and the "attention economy," which pressure media outlets to prioritize emotionally charged content. From a Lithuanian perspective, this paints a picture of a society grappling with the complexities of the digital age, where access to information is abundant but the ability to critically navigate it, and to translate online presence into meaningful civic participation, remains a significant challenge. The findings serve as a stark reminder that technological access alone does not guarantee an informed and engaged citizenry.

“

The critical weak point: the consumer behavior component reaches only 14.6 points – this shows that residents know how to behave, but do not always do so.