Romanian Youth Detached from Politics: A Deep Dive into Information Consumption and the Impact of Disinformation
A comprehensive study conducted by the Center for Independent Journalism (CJI) reveals a concerning disconnect between Romanian youth and the political landscape. A staggering 70% of young Romanians admit to feeling uninformed or poorly informed about domestic politics, with only a mere 10% considering themselves well-versed in the subject. This alarming statistic highlights a significant gap in political engagement among the younger generation, potentially jeopardizing the future of informed democratic participation. Beyond domestic politics, this knowledge deficit extends to international affairs, the upcoming 2024 elections, environmental issues, and social concerns. Conversely, young Romanians demonstrate greater awareness of topics closer to their daily lives, such as social media trends, pop culture, influencers, health, and education.
The CJI attributes this political apathy not to a lack of interest among young people, but rather to a systemic failure to engage them in meaningful discussions about political issues. Cristina Lupu, executive director of the CJI, emphasizes that neither families, schools, nor the media adequately address political matters with young people, leaving them ill-equipped to navigate the complexities of political discourse. This lack of exposure and guidance contributes to the prevailing sense of disengagement, potentially hindering the development of informed and responsible citizens. Lupu points to the 47% voter turnout among 18-24 year olds in recent presidential elections, only slightly lower than the 50% turnout in the 35-44 age group, suggesting that given the opportunity and proper information, young people are willing to participate.
The implications of disinformation and lack of information extend far beyond individual understanding, reaching into the very fabric of the Romanian economy. Studies indicate that the spread of false information erodes public trust in institutions and markets, creating skepticism among investors and consumers that can stifle economic growth. This erosion of trust can destabilize political and economic systems, leading to market fluctuations and diminishing a country’s attractiveness to foreign investment. Furthermore, inaccurate information can lead to flawed economic decisions by both governments and businesses, jeopardizing the effectiveness of policies and strategies. The labor market is also susceptible to the negative effects of misinformation, as distorted perceptions can influence hiring, retention, and productivity. Combating disinformation necessitates significant financial investment from both public and private sectors, adding another layer of cost to an already complex issue.
The CJI study also sheds light on how young people assess the credibility of information. A significant majority, 6 out of 10, exhibit confirmation bias, accepting information as true if it aligns with their pre-existing beliefs. Interestingly, the study found a gender divide in how young people gauge information reliability. Girls are more prone to confirmation bias than boys, while boys are more likely to trust information shared by content creators or influencers. The reliance on multiple sources, the identification of the author or source, and information disseminated by trusted friends or family members also play a role in shaping perceptions of truthfulness, while traditional media sources hold less sway. This underscores the importance of media literacy education in equipping young people with the critical thinking skills necessary to discern credible information from misinformation, particularly in the digital age.
Confirmation bias, the tendency to favor information that confirms pre-existing beliefs, poses a significant challenge to objective information processing. This cognitive bias can lead individuals to selectively seek out and interpret information that reinforces their existing views, while disregarding or downplaying contradictory evidence. Such selective filtering can distort perceptions and lead to flawed decision-making, as individuals become increasingly entrenched in their own perspectives. In the context of the information-saturated digital landscape, understanding and mitigating confirmation bias is crucial for fostering informed and rational decision-making among young people. This requires not only media literacy education but also a broader understanding of cognitive processes and critical thinking skills.
Recognizing the importance of media literacy, the CJI has been actively implementing a Media Education Program since 2017. This initiative aims to empower Romanian children and young people with the critical thinking skills necessary to navigate the complex media landscape. The program provides media literacy courses to teachers and students, develops educational resources for classroom use, and creates materials for the general public. To date, almost 1,000 teachers have participated in these courses, reaching approximately 150,000 students. The CJI, a non-governmental organization with over 30 years of experience in promoting democracy, has also provided training and work experience to over 15,000 media professionals and 250,000 students. The CJI’s study, "The Relationship with Information and Media Consumption Habits of Children and Young People in Romania," surveyed 1,852 children and young people, boasting a margin of error of ±1% and a confidence level of 95%, provides a robust foundation for future interventions aimed at enhancing media literacy and fostering critical thinking among Romanian youth.