Борьба без надежды: Общественные представления о способах противодействия фейковым новостям

Полития: Анализ. Хроника. Прогноз. 2025. № 3. С. 108–126.

Kazun A. D., Petrova D.

The fake news raises concerns among both researchers and news consumers. This article, based on 119 interviews, examines public perceptions of measures to counter disinformation. Informants view fake news as a phenomenon posing a significant social threat. However, there is widespread skepticism about the possibility of completely eradicating fake news, which is attributed to the structure of the media environment and human nature — factors that, according to the interviewees, cannot be fundamentally changed. Nevertheless, the necessity of implementing a wide range of measures to mitigate the harmful effects of fake news is emphasized, ranging from improving media literacy to legislative regulation or even censorship. Responsibility for combating fake news is seen as collective rather than individual, and as personalized rather than automated or algorithmic. Informants identify a variety of actors who should be involved in countering disinformation, including the state, news consumers, journalists and media organizations, platforms and social networks, and regulatory bodies (both existing and proposed). Success, according to the informants, can only be achieved through joint efforts. Notably, opinions on the state's role vary depending on the informants' political views. Automated tools for combating fake news—such as verification algorithms and fact-checking websites—are rarely mentioned and remain peripheral to the public discourse. Overall, informants argue that the fight against fake news must be systemic, focusing not on immediate corrective measures but on broader, long-term transformations.

Keywords: медиапотребление, цифровое общество, disinformation, дезинформация, fake news, фейковые новости, media consumption