Disinformation as a Widespread Problem and Vulnerability Factors Toward it: Evidence From a Quasi-Experimental Survey in Spain

Abstract

In recent years, several institutions have alerted the effects of information disorders while struggling to handle the problem effectively. Our investigation triangulates between qualitative and quantitative approaches: on the one hand, focus groups adapted to the digital landscape (which many have hinted is an environment naturally favoring disinformation) were used; on the other, a quasi-experimental survey was conducted with 4,351 stratified respondents. The results provide evidence-based data that both confirm the widespread nature of vulnerability—more than half of the Spanish population presents a relevant degree of vulnerability toward disinformation—and spot specific groups that may require targeted actions to ease the effects of information disorders.