As digital content consumption reaches unprecedented levels, a new study from HSE University reveals how Russians navigate the growing wave of online misinformation. According to researchers at the HSE Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge (ISSEK), over half of Russian internet users who encounter potentially false information actively engage in fact-checking, with source verification being the predominant strategy.
The surge in unreliable content, exacerbated by the proliferation of AI-generated texts, images, and videos, has heightened the need for digital literacy. The study analyzed responses from two comprehensive nationwide surveys conducted in 2022 and 2024, each encompassing more than 10,000 individuals aged 14 and above. About half of these respondents reported stumbling upon dubious information, and more than 50% of them attempted to verify its accuracy through various methods.
The most frequent approach involves tracing the original source of the information, a tactic employed by approximately one-third of users. Others scrutinize the credibility of the content’s initial poster or verify details such as dates and names. Engaging in discussions and cross-referencing multiple sources also serve as verification techniques, whereas dedicated fact-checking services remain underutilized, with only a marginal 3% relying on platforms like Snopes.
Demographic factors significantly influence fact-checking behaviors. Younger users demonstrate greater skepticism and verification efforts compared to older generations. Urban residency, particularly in Moscow and St. Petersburg, correlates with higher rates of fact-checking, while users from smaller towns or rural areas show less engagement in scrutiny. Income levels further modulate this behavior: middle and high-income users tend to question information more frequently, pointing to a digital divide in information literacy and skepticism.
The interplay between digital openness and information verification also emerges as a key finding. Users adept and comfortable with technology display heightened resistance to misinformation. Interestingly, gender, education level, and even the sheer frequency of internet use do not significantly impact the likelihood of fact-checking, suggesting that critical engagement with information extends beyond mere exposure or demographic variables.
A novel dimension explored in this research is the role of artificial intelligence. While AI technologies contribute to the complexity of identifying fakery, they also hold promise as powerful tools against misinformation. Integrated AI features capable of source validation and authenticity assessment could enhance user defenses. However, the study emphasizes that such technological solutions require users to cultivate critical thinking skills and adopt a more deliberate approach to online content.
Contrary to assumptions, passive consumption—characterized by endless scrolling—fails to nurture the analytical skills necessary to combat false information. In fact, excessive online activity may inadvertently facilitate the spread of misinformation. As co-author Evgenii Popov remarks, fact-checking must be seen as a conscious, active practice rather than an automatic byproduct of online presence.
This research underlines a pressing societal challenge: digital inequality creates vulnerabilities that foster online manipulation, especially among older adults, rural residents, and those with limited financial means. Addressing these divides is essential in fortifying the public against the ever-evolving landscape of misinformation.
Subject of Research:
Article Title: Тактики противостояния фейковой информации и факторы проведения фактчекинга в России
News Publication Date: 10-May-2026
Web References: https://www.monitoringjournal.ru/index.php/monitoring/article/view/3099
References: 10.14515/monitoring.2026.2.3099
Keywords: Social research, Social surveys, Digital literacy, Misinformation, Fact-checking, AI in information verification
