UNESCO Survey Reveals 62% Digital Creators Don’t Verify Information Before Sharing
According to a recent survey by UNESCO, 62% of digital creators worldwide do not verify the information before sharing it on the internet. This is the first such survey conducted by UNESCO to understand the work processes of digital creators. The survey involved 500 creators from 45 countries, with a research team from Bowling Green State University in the United States.
Digital creators, also known as “content creators” on the internet, have become a significant source of information transmission in today’s world, and the content they provide greatly impacts audiences.
**What is the Standard for Verifying Information?**
The survey also highlighted that digital creators face challenges in determining the standards for verifying information. Of the respondents, 42% consider the number of likes and shares on a social media post as the main indicator of its authenticity, while 21% rely on content shared by their friends. Additionally, 19% said they judge the truthfulness of information based on the reputation of the main author.
However, 73% of the creators expressed a desire to learn the skills required for verifying information. Journalists could play an essential role in assisting digital creators in this process, but a strong connection between the two professions has yet to be established. Traditional media still remains the third largest source of information for digital creators, with many relying on media content for their own research and experiences.
**Training on Rights and Responsibilities**
The survey also revealed that 59% of digital creators are unaware of their rights and international laws. Only 56% of creators are familiar with programs designed for their training, and just 13.9% have participated in such programs. This lack of awareness exposes them to legal risks and can hinder their ability to defend their rights.
Around 32% of creators reported encountering hate speech, but only 20% took the step of filing complaints. To address this gap, UNESCO has launched the world’s first global training course, with 9,000 participants from 160 countries. The course aims to train creators on information verification, promoting authentic content, and identifying misinformation.
According to UNESCO, this course will play a crucial role in helping digital creators tackle challenges in the digital world and promote transparency in global information dissemination.
