Maltese Youth Most Exposed to Fake News, Yet Most Confident in Spotting It: Eurobarometer Survey Reveals
A recent Eurobarometer survey, the Youth Survey 2024, has painted a complex picture of Maltese youth’s relationship with information and politics. While young people in Malta are significantly more likely to encounter fake news than their European counterparts, they also demonstrate remarkable confidence in their ability to identify it. This paradoxical finding underscores the challenges and opportunities of navigating the digital information landscape in a small island nation with high social media penetration.
The survey, conducted in September and October 2023, revealed that a staggering 59% of Maltese respondents aged 16 to 30 reported encountering disinformation "often" or "very often" in the week preceding the survey. This figure is more than double the EU average, raising concerns about the prevalence of fake news in the Maltese information ecosystem. In contrast, an overwhelming 89% of these young Maltese citizens expressed confidence in their ability to discern fake news, marking the highest rate of self-reported disinformation detection skills across the entire EU. This discrepancy highlights the complex nature of the issue, suggesting that while Maltese youth are frequently exposed to misinformation, they possess a heightened awareness and potentially greater resilience to its effects.
This apparent resilience could be linked to Maltese youth’s heavy reliance on social media as a primary news source. The survey indicated that 47% of young people in Malta primarily get their news from social media platforms, compared to a 42% EU average. This inclination toward social media as a news source surpasses their reliance on traditional news outlets and online news platforms. Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram emerged as the preferred social media platforms for engaging with political and social content, with Facebook leading at 39%, followed closely by YouTube at 36%, and Instagram at 26%. Interestingly, Maltese youth’s platform preferences differ from the wider EU trend, where Instagram and TikTok hold greater sway.
This reliance on social media as a primary news source, coupled with the high prevalence of fake news, raises questions about the effectiveness of media literacy efforts in Malta. While young people may believe they can spot disinformation, their frequent exposure suggests that practical application of these skills might be less successful. The dominance of social media in the news consumption habits of Maltese youth necessitates further investigation into the effectiveness of existing media literacy programs and the development of targeted interventions to strengthen critical thinking and information evaluation skills within this demographic.
The survey also shed light on the political engagement of young people in Malta. A significant portion of non-voters in the June MEP elections cited a lack of representation by any party or candidate as their primary reason for abstaining. This sentiment resonated more strongly in Malta (37%) than across the EU (15%), suggesting a potential disconnect between young Maltese voters and the existing political landscape. Other significant reasons for not voting included a lack of information and a distrust of politicians, highlighting the need for increased political engagement and transparency to bridge the gap between young citizens and the political process.
Despite the challenges posed by fake news and political disengagement, the survey also revealed positive aspects of young Maltese citizens’ perspectives. A notable 22% of respondents expressed a stronger attachment to their European identity than their national identity, the highest proportion in the EU. This suggests a strong sense of European belonging among young people in Malta, which could serve as a foundation for promoting cross-cultural understanding and cooperation within the EU. Moreover, Maltese youth expressed the most positive view of the European Parliament (73% favorable), compared to considerably lower figures in countries like Greece, Austria, and Germany. This positive perception of European institutions could be leveraged to strengthen youth engagement in European affairs.
Finally, the survey highlighted the priorities of young Maltese citizens for the next five years. The environment, economy, and access to social welfare emerged as the top concerns, reflecting global trends and emphasizing the need for policies that address these critical issues. By addressing these concerns and fostering a more informed and engaged citizenry, Malta can empower its youth to navigate the challenges of the digital age and actively participate in shaping their future, both nationally and within the European Union.