University of Kwazulu-Natal

Pdf Disinformation In Society Report Instituteforpr Org

Bonisiwe Shabane
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pdf disinformation in society report instituteforpr org

Disinformation Crisis Grips America, Paralleling Major Societal Issues: New Report Reveals Disturbing Trends Washington, D.C. – A groundbreaking new study reveals the alarming pervasiveness of disinformation in American society, with a staggering 70% of respondents ranking it as a major problem on par with critical issues such as illegal... The 5th edition of the Disinformation in Society Report, a collaborative effort between the Institute for Public Relations (IPR) and market research firm Leger, surveyed 2,000 U.S. adults to gauge public perception of false and misleading information, identify responsible parties, and explore potential solutions. The findings paint a stark picture of a nation grappling with an information crisis, highlighting a concerning trend of eroding trust in traditional institutions and a growing reliance on personalized information bubbles.

The report underscores a paradox in information consumption: While Americans express deep concerns about disinformation, they simultaneously exhibit a strong preference for news that aligns with their pre-existing beliefs. A significant 59% of respondents admitted to favoring information that confirms their perspectives, a phenomenon that contributes to the perpetuation of echo chambers and hinders productive discourse. This tendency raises critical questions about the efficacy of fact-checking and media literacy initiatives, as individuals may be predisposed to dismiss information that challenges their worldview. Compounding the issue is the identification of major societal institutions as key culprits in the spread of disinformation. Facebook topped the list, with 74% of respondents holding the social media giant accountable. Following closely behind were the U.S.

federal government (72%) and political activist groups (71%). This erosion of trust in established sources has profound implications for democratic processes and public discourse, creating an environment where manipulation and misinformation can thrive. Interestingly, the report reveals that Americans place the highest level of trust in sources within their immediate social circles. Family members (82%), individuals perceived as similar to themselves (79%), and friends (75%) emerged as the most trusted sources of information. This finding highlights the growing influence of personal networks in shaping individual perceptions and underscores the need for media literacy efforts that empower individuals to critically evaluate information shared within these trusted circles. Tina McCorkindale, Institute for Public Relations https://instituteforpr.org/ipr-disinformation-study/Report – https://instituteforpr.org/wp-content/uploads/Disinformation_Study_IPR-6-18.pdfSlides – https://instituteforpr.org/wp-content/uploads/2019-IPR-Disinformation-Study.pdf

Sixty-three percent of Americans view disinformation—or deliberately misleading or biased information—as a “major” problem in society, on par with gun violence (63%) and terrorism (66%), according to the 2019 Institute for Public Relations Disinformation... The 2019 IPR Disinformation in Society Report surveyed 2,200 adults with Morning Consult to determine the prevalence of disinformation, who is responsible for sharing disinformation, the level of trust in different information sources, and... “One surprising finding was how significant of a problem both Republicans and Democrats rated disinformation,” said Dr. Tina McCorkindale, APR, President and CEO of the Institute for Public Relations. “Unfortunately, only a few organizations outside of the media literacy and news space devote resources to help fix it, including many of the perceived culprits for spreading disinformation.” More than half (51%) of respondents said they encounter disinformation at least once a day, while 78% said they see it once a week.

Four in five adults (80%) said they are confident in their ability to recognize false news and information. Additionally, nearly half of Americans (47%) said they “often” or “always” go to other sources to see if news and information are accurate. Across the United States, travel is entering a new chapter defined by intention, adaptability, and connection. The latest U.S. Travel Insights: Winter 2026 Travel report uncovers the key U.S. travel trends shaping the winter season, including shifts in traveler...

The holidays have long been a time of indulgence, celebration, and connection. But this year, the balance of joy and wellness is shifting in new ways. The growing influence of GLP-1 medications is reshaping holiday traditions, from the menus people plan to the... Every holiday season, Americans gather around tables that reflect more than just what they eat or drink. These moments capture how people are feeling, spending, and connecting. The Holiday Table 2025 Report reveals that these celebrations offer early signals of...

Why do jokes travel faster than logos? We’ve all seen ads where the joke lands, but the brand doesn’t. The gag gets repeated in offices, group chats, and playgrounds — but when people are asked who the ad was for, silence follows. This is the paradox of humor in...

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Disinformation Crisis Grips America, Paralleling Major Societal Issues: New Report

Disinformation Crisis Grips America, Paralleling Major Societal Issues: New Report Reveals Disturbing Trends Washington, D.C. – A groundbreaking new study reveals the alarming pervasiveness of disinformation in American society, with a staggering 70% of respondents ranking it as a major problem on par with critical issues such as illegal... The 5th edition of the Disinformation in Society Report, ...

The Report Underscores A Paradox In Information Consumption: While Americans

The report underscores a paradox in information consumption: While Americans express deep concerns about disinformation, they simultaneously exhibit a strong preference for news that aligns with their pre-existing beliefs. A significant 59% of respondents admitted to favoring information that confirms their perspectives, a phenomenon that contributes to the perpetuation of echo chambers and hinder...

Federal Government (72%) And Political Activist Groups (71%). This Erosion

federal government (72%) and political activist groups (71%). This erosion of trust in established sources has profound implications for democratic processes and public discourse, creating an environment where manipulation and misinformation can thrive. Interestingly, the report reveals that Americans place the highest level of trust in sources within their immediate social circles. Family members...

Sixty-three Percent Of Americans View Disinformation—or Deliberately Misleading Or Biased

Sixty-three percent of Americans view disinformation—or deliberately misleading or biased information—as a “major” problem in society, on par with gun violence (63%) and terrorism (66%), according to the 2019 Institute for Public Relations Disinformation... The 2019 IPR Disinformation in Society Report surveyed 2,200 adults with Morning Consult to determine the prevalence of disinformation, who is...

Four In Five Adults (80%) Said They Are Confident In

Four in five adults (80%) said they are confident in their ability to recognize false news and information. Additionally, nearly half of Americans (47%) said they “often” or “always” go to other sources to see if news and information are accurate. Across the United States, travel is entering a new chapter defined by intention, adaptability, and connection. The latest U.S. Travel Insights: Winter 2...