Along with an increasing flow of information comes the increase of false and misleading information and so-called fake news. This was discussed during the September meeting of the Nordic Council Committee for Knowledge and Culture.
A current example of a major news event is of course the outbreak of the Corona pandemic. The need for information as well as the number searching to find it is increasing. So also are rumours and misleading information unfortunately. The flood of information and news reporting of all kinds following the spread of the new virus has caused the World Health Organization (WHO) to talk about an information epidemic.
In a situation like this, being able to find reliable information and having the skills to evaluate sources and question doubtful content is paramount to limit the spread of disinformation.
Many efforts have been made to raise media- and information literacy among young people. However, there is an increased need for efforts addressing all ages. In particular, there is a need for efforts addressing that the elderly are one of the most exposed groups in regard to disinformation and rumours on social media.
The spreading of disinformation and false news is a threat to trust in society and to fundamental democratic values. “Never before has it been more important to be able to discern between true or false news and we need to strengthen the exchange of Nordic experience in this field”, says Kjell-Arne Ottosson, chair of the committee.
Against the backdrop of this discussion, the committee proposes mapping the spread of disinformation in the Nordic countries and establishing a working group to develop a policy concerning media- and information literacy education addressing all age groups. An overall strategy for a joint Nordic effort is also proposed.
Catharina Bucht