Following mainstream news on social media boosts fact-checking skills

2-week mainstream news follow on Instagram/WhatsApp boosts fact-checking skills and trust.

Why it matters

  • Enhances ability to distinguish true from false news.
  • Increases trust in mainstream news sources.

By the numbers

  • Study duration: 2 weeks on Instagram/WhatsApp.

The big picture

  • Simple social media interventions can improve media literacy.
  • Potential to combat misinformation on a broader scale.

What they're saying

  • Concerns about bias in defining "mainstream" news.
  • Calls for broader studies across different countries and user groups.

Caveats

  • Study limited to specific social media platforms.
  • "Mainstream" news definition may vary.

What’s next

  • Replicate study in diverse geographical and cultural contexts.