The media literacy of most users appears to be increasing, as a study by the University of California shows.
Fake images are the most common medium used to spread fake news. Images that are posted in the wrong context are also common. But many users now quickly recognize fake images and are not fooled if it is suggested to them that reputable media have shared these images, according to the study .
General distrust
To collect the data, the researchers conducted an online experiment among 3,476 people aged 20 to 87. It turned out that most people can correctly identify fake images. The test subjects were asked to rate the images shown to them on a scale of one to seven, where one stands for “unbelievable”. These assessments were correct in most cases even when participants were told that the photos used in the experiment had been published by the New York Times or major news agencies.
“We found that participants’ internet knowledge, experience in image editing and use of social media were significant predictors for assessing the credibility of photos,” explains study author Cuihua Shen. To ensure the required variance, the researchers deliberately chose six fake photos that represented a wide range of topics. These include photos of a same-sex couple, a bridge collapse, a war scene and an animal that was genetically modified with a cat's head and a mouse's body.
Promote media literacy
The fake images were presented to study participants as they would appear on the Internet. The medium for distribution (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and other platforms) as well as the source were also added. Study author Shen concludes that more education in digital media literacy would help consumers distinguish between fake and real images and information.
“In the age of fake news and alternative facts, the risks and dangers associated with malicious individuals or groups easily disseminating fake visual information via computers and social networks to deceive, cause emotional distress, or influence opinions, attitudes and actions “Never been bigger,” the researchers summarize.
Source: press release
And what about “us”?
We welcome the results of the University of California study. However, we ask ourselves a question: What does it look like in this country?
It would be really interesting to know how users in German-speaking countries would fare in such a study. But this requires a little more than a simple survey (our readers, i.e. you, would probably do above average anyway), but we would like a real study from one of the many universities in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
So if you happen to be the head of a university or have resources available in that area and need an idea for a study: Don't hesitate to take up this idea! 😉
Article image: Shutterstock / SAQUIZETA
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Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )

