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“Disinformation Aims to Mislead; Misinformation Thrives in Ignorance”: Insights from Experts and Non-Experts in Greek-Speaking Cyprus

Author

Listed:
  • Loukia Taxitari

    (Department of Psychology, Neapolis University Pafos, Pafos 8042, Cyprus
    Fact Check Cyprus, Social Computing Research Centre, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol 3036, Cyprus)

  • Thanos Sitistas

    (Fact Check Cyprus, Social Computing Research Centre, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol 3036, Cyprus)

  • Eleni Gavriil

    (Department of History, Politics and International Studies, Neapolis University Pafos, Pafos 8042, Cyprus)

Abstract

The article herein examines the multifaceted challenges of misinformation and disinformation in the media landscape, with a focus on strategies to enhance media literacy among adults. The primary objective of this study is to examine the prevalence, characteristics, and impact of disinformation and misinformation in media within the internet society, ultimately contributing to developing targeted educational programs and policy recommendations. To achieve this, a qualitative research design was carried out to explore the views and the broader societal experiences in media-related challenges. The research design utilized thematic analysis of data collected from focus groups and expert interviews, ensuring the representation of diverse perspectives. By focusing on the information landscape in Cyprus and Greece, the present article aims to address the unique local challenges and contribute to the literature gap. The findings reveal the critical importance of tailored educational programs and the cultivation of critical thinking skills in fostering media literacy and combating false information in an effort to put together in a unique study the various experiences, opinions, and needs of individuals who seek to navigate successfully in an information-rich world.

Suggested Citation

  • Loukia Taxitari & Thanos Sitistas & Eleni Gavriil, 2025. "“Disinformation Aims to Mislead; Misinformation Thrives in Ignorance”: Insights from Experts and Non-Experts in Greek-Speaking Cyprus," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-23, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jscscx:v:14:y:2025:i:3:p:133-:d:1598048
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Danielle Caled & Mário J. Silva, 2022. "Digital media and misinformation: An outlook on multidisciplinary strategies against manipulation," Journal of Computational Social Science, Springer, vol. 5(1), pages 123-159, May.
    2. Roozenbeek, Jon & Maertens, Rakoen & Herzog, Stefan M. & Geers, Michael & Kurvers, Ralf & Sultan, Mubashir & van der Linden, Sander, 2022. "Susceptibility to misinformation is consistent across question framings and response modes and better explained by myside bias and partisanship than analytical thinking," Judgment and Decision Making, Cambridge University Press, vol. 17(3), pages 547-573, May.
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