Between Controversy and Fake News: University Students Facing Climate Misinformation and Cultural Stereotypes
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26422/Keywords:
Fake News, University students, Critical Thinking, Cultural stereotypes, Climate ChangeAbstract
The expansion of Fake News (FN) across social media has generated an environment of uncertainty that particularly affects young people. This study examines the ability of 221 university students to discern the veracity of four news items addressing social and environmental issues. The research follows an empirical, descriptive, exploratory, and analytical design. A mixed-methods approach was adopted: quantitatively, through a protocol based on the RED model of the Watson–Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal (WGCTA), consisting of closed-ended questions; and qualitatively, through content analysis of open-ended responses. Findings reveal a low success rate and a high level of uncertainty, especially regarding news related to antisocial behaviour and immigration. Environmental news elicited greater certainty, particularly when linked to consumerism or sustainability. The analysis identifies ideological biases, emotional contamination, and difficulties in interpreting data, especially when headlines are sensationalist or content lacks reliable sources. Argumentation emerged as the most decisive factor in judging news accuracy. The study concludes that persistent stereotypes and interpretative errors continue to shape perceptions of news veracity. Interventions are required to evaluate reliable sources and detect FN.
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