{"title":"A human-centric approach to countering disinformation","authors":"Auksė Balčytienė, Rimgailė Kasparaitė, Patricija Lenčiauskienė","doi":"10.15847/obsobs18520242442","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15847/obsobs18520242442","url":null,"abstract":"Throughout all European countries, disinformation, the prevalence of false narratives and the rise of online radicalism are recognized as profound instances of “dysfunctional communication” driving contemporary societies toward populist polarization and conflict. As traditional guardians of knowledge authority and epistemic commons, the news media takes a bold stance in combatting disinformation, even though the profession is facing significant challenges in terms of business and trust production. \u0000How should journalism education respond to the increasing epistemic uncertainties and develop the essential skills and capacities for digital information verification, while fostering the commitment for ethical communication and serving the public good? \u0000This paper discusses the development and teaching of contemporary journalistic professionalism as a social process sustained via different digital mediums and contextualized within real-world events. Using the example of the pilot study, it suggests that within contemporary journalism education, there is a growing requirement to cultivate a collaborative ethos among journalists and sources, starting within the university setting. The experience gained from the source verification class, tested with Lithuanian journalism students in a collaborative learning situation, reveals fact-checking practices that anticipate the development of epistemic capacities and self-efficacy, crucial for resilient journalistic professionalism.","PeriodicalId":149155,"journal":{"name":"Observatorio (OBS*)","volume":"27 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139840955","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Disinformation, media literacy and journalism: proposals from journalists in Portugal","authors":"Luísa Torre, P. Jerónimo, Inês Amaral","doi":"10.15847/obsobs18520242438","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15847/obsobs18520242438","url":null,"abstract":"Recents studies suggest the existence of a European Public Sphere, especially in the face of events of significant importance. In the scope of the Covid-19 crisis, this paper aims to study the platformization of the discussion on European topics by political agents such as politicians and political parties. Focusing on four Southern European countries – Greece, Italy, Portugal, and Spain – that have a common past history in their relationships with Europe (PIGS), we analyze political agents’ posts with the highest reach. The study was conducted on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube over a period of three months, between September and November 2021. Regarding the platformization and the success of communication strategies, overall right-wing politicians tend to be more effective in capturing the attention and mobilising the participation of social media users on Facebook and Twitter. Different political groups stand out in the discussion of different European issues on different platforms. However, for most countries, the Economy, related to Europe, was the main subject with the highest reach addressed by the political actors, thus reinforcing the idea of Structural Europeanization. However, with most posts having a national scope, this does not contribute to strengthening the construction of a European Identity (Normative Europeanization). These findings are aligned with previous literature regarding European issues being first and foremost used as leverage for national political struggles, especially due to national and populist movements.","PeriodicalId":149155,"journal":{"name":"Observatorio (OBS*)","volume":"135 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139841935","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Viviane Ongaro, Monica Fantin, José Douglas Alves dos Santos
{"title":"The perception of misinformation by young students from a Brazilian sociocultural context: reflections and clues for media education","authors":"Viviane Ongaro, Monica Fantin, José Douglas Alves dos Santos","doi":"10.15847/obsobs18520242435","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15847/obsobs18520242435","url":null,"abstract":"Based on a doctoral study developed in the Brazilian sociocultural context, the article reflects on the perception of misinformation among young students from public and private schools. In a society permeated by the digital world in the broader context of socio-materiality, the complexity of the terms Misinformation, Fake News, and Post-truth shows the difficulty of understanding true and false nowadays. In the capitalism of data, algorithms, control, and vigilance, misinformation is an increasingly discussed theme in digital culture due to the problems created in the political, economic, social, cultural, and political spheres. The implications of this phenomenon reverberate throughout the educational ecosystem, the teaching-learning interactions and relations in the school, and other informal and non-formal educational spaces. Grounded on the dialogue between cultural studies, media-education, and youth cultures, we seek to identify young students' perceptions of misinformation to create a formative path in the media-education perspective. The qualitative and exploratory research involved an empirical dimension conducted with young students from 14 to 21 years old in Curitiba and Colombo in Paraná, Brazil. We traced the group's profile through the European Framework for Digital competencies during workshops on media education, aiming to identify and reflect on how young students receive, understand, analyze, check, and share information. The workshop analyses suggested clues to build media competencies in the youth culture contexts and how schools can/should develop a work in the perspective of media education to build a better understanding of oneself, the other, and the world, producing and sharing messages and information with more responsibility in the perspectives of citizenship and belonging.","PeriodicalId":149155,"journal":{"name":"Observatorio (OBS*)","volume":"53 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139839544","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
M. Paisana, C. Foá, António Vasconcelos, Paulo Couraceiro, Sofia Ferro-Santos, Aldina Margato, Miguel Crespo
{"title":"A taxonomy for Media Literacy in Portugal","authors":"M. Paisana, C. Foá, António Vasconcelos, Paulo Couraceiro, Sofia Ferro-Santos, Aldina Margato, Miguel Crespo","doi":"10.15847/obsobs18520242439","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15847/obsobs18520242439","url":null,"abstract":"Media literacy, which encompasses skills and knowledge considered essential for civic participation in social, political, and professional life, is an area that has been growing steadily. In Portugal, there is a wide range of entities that have developed media literacy initiatives, from public entities, universities, research centers, training centers, media organizations, among others. These actors are adopting different approaches and media literacy is being promoted through training, academic publications, social projects, and learning platforms. These actions, carried out in more or less formal environments, are aimed at different target audiences, from pre-school children to the elderly.\u0000Based on the multiplicity of theoretical approaches to the concept of media literacy, this study seeks to understand the extent to which this diversity is reflected in the multiplicity of actors, approaches and target audiences involved in promoting media literacy in Portugal.\u0000To achieve this goal, using two analysis grids, one dedicated to the actors and the other to their interventions, a mapping of Portuguese entities dedicated to media literacy was carried out, seeking to identify the types of organizations and the professional areas to which they belong, their target audiences, the incidence of literacy promoted, and the pedagogical tools used. The results are presented in the form of a taxonomy of the actors involved in the operationalization of media literacy initiatives in Portugal, making it possible to characterize the landscape of this literacy promotion and its constituent networks, as well as to identify areas to be explored and the types of target audiences in need of initiatives aimed at their needs. The identification of empirical practices to promote media literacy in Portugal also makes it possible to contribute to the global theoretical-conceptual debate on the subject, particularly in terms of the volatility of the concept, its propensity for change and its readaptation according to the contexts in which it is used.","PeriodicalId":149155,"journal":{"name":"Observatorio (OBS*)","volume":"35 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139840752","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
M. Paisana, C. Foá, António Vasconcelos, Paulo Couraceiro, Sofia Ferro-Santos, Aldina Margato, Miguel Crespo
{"title":"A taxonomy for Media Literacy in Portugal","authors":"M. Paisana, C. Foá, António Vasconcelos, Paulo Couraceiro, Sofia Ferro-Santos, Aldina Margato, Miguel Crespo","doi":"10.15847/obsobs18520242439","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15847/obsobs18520242439","url":null,"abstract":"Media literacy, which encompasses skills and knowledge considered essential for civic participation in social, political, and professional life, is an area that has been growing steadily. In Portugal, there is a wide range of entities that have developed media literacy initiatives, from public entities, universities, research centers, training centers, media organizations, among others. These actors are adopting different approaches and media literacy is being promoted through training, academic publications, social projects, and learning platforms. These actions, carried out in more or less formal environments, are aimed at different target audiences, from pre-school children to the elderly.\u0000Based on the multiplicity of theoretical approaches to the concept of media literacy, this study seeks to understand the extent to which this diversity is reflected in the multiplicity of actors, approaches and target audiences involved in promoting media literacy in Portugal.\u0000To achieve this goal, using two analysis grids, one dedicated to the actors and the other to their interventions, a mapping of Portuguese entities dedicated to media literacy was carried out, seeking to identify the types of organizations and the professional areas to which they belong, their target audiences, the incidence of literacy promoted, and the pedagogical tools used. The results are presented in the form of a taxonomy of the actors involved in the operationalization of media literacy initiatives in Portugal, making it possible to characterize the landscape of this literacy promotion and its constituent networks, as well as to identify areas to be explored and the types of target audiences in need of initiatives aimed at their needs. The identification of empirical practices to promote media literacy in Portugal also makes it possible to contribute to the global theoretical-conceptual debate on the subject, particularly in terms of the volatility of the concept, its propensity for change and its readaptation according to the contexts in which it is used.","PeriodicalId":149155,"journal":{"name":"Observatorio (OBS*)","volume":"134 37","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139780764","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Artificial intelligence, disinformation and media literacy proposals around deepfakes","authors":"Miriam Garriga, Raquel Ruiz-Incertis, Raúl Magallón-Rosa","doi":"10.15847/obsobs18520242445","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15847/obsobs18520242445","url":null,"abstract":"The role of artificial intelligence and its place in the new disinformation strategies is perhaps one of the most difficult issues to focus on nowadays, since we are at the beginning of a process of definition and ways of exploration. In this paper, first of all, we analyze the different approaches that are being applied to the regulation of artificial intelligence and that may affect the different disinformation strategies that are being identified. Secondly, we study how artificial intelligence is being used to identify disinformation content. In this regard, from the point of view of verification processes, one of the main challenges is when identifying deepfakes (images and video, mainly) linked to news cycles. From this perspective, a typology of deepfakes is proposed and its main characteristics will be described according to the verifications carried out by the Spanish fact-checking organizations. Finally, a set of recommendations will be presented to work from a media literacy point of view with the identification of deepfakes.","PeriodicalId":149155,"journal":{"name":"Observatorio (OBS*)","volume":"105 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139781054","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Decoding algorithmic literacy among journalists","authors":"C. Foá, Paulo Couraceiro, Ana Pinto-Martinho","doi":"10.15847/obsobs18520242433","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15847/obsobs18520242433","url":null,"abstract":"Recent developments in generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) have revitalized academic discourse on algorithmic systems, particularly on their potential, ethical considerations, risks, and regulatory challenges. Extensive research has examined how algorithms affect communication processes, focusing on their influence on news organizations, journalistic practices, public-media dynamics, media literacy, and combating disinformation and filter bubbles.\u0000An emergent strand of research defines and measures the multidimensional concept of algorithmic literacy. However limited research exists on the intersection of algorithmic literacy and journalism. This gap is particularly concerning given the pivotal role of journalism in shaping public discourse, informing citizens, upholding democratic values and contrasting disinformation. Understanding how journalists perceive and engage with algorithms is essential, as these technologies significantly influence their professional tasks, including content production and distribution.\u0000In Portugal, where newcomer journalists work in precarious conditions and digital media transformation is rapidly evolving, understanding how journalists interact with and perceive algorithms is vital. Our study, through a multi-phased approach, aims to fill this gap questioning how can algorithmic literacy, encompassing cognitive, attitudinal and behavioural dimensions, be effectively assessed among professional journalists?\u0000The exploratory results present a validated methodological tool, instrument based on a multi-dimensional analytical framework and specifically designed to measure algorithmic literacy levels and to assess journalists’ experiences. Critical discussion addresses the methodological procedures and preliminary findings from the pre-test, offering insights into Portuguese journalists' understanding, perceptions, and competencies regarding algorithmic systems. By shedding light on the cognitive, affective, and behavioural aspects of journalists’ engagement with algorithms, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the algorithmic literacy among journalists, which is essential to sustain the quality of their work and for an effective counteraction against disinformation. It also opens avenues for similar studies in other geographical or professional contexts.","PeriodicalId":149155,"journal":{"name":"Observatorio (OBS*)","volume":"6 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139779848","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Disinformation, media literacy and journalism: proposals from journalists in Portugal","authors":"Luísa Torre, P. Jerónimo, Inês Amaral","doi":"10.15847/obsobs18520242438","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15847/obsobs18520242438","url":null,"abstract":"Recents studies suggest the existence of a European Public Sphere, especially in the face of events of significant importance. In the scope of the Covid-19 crisis, this paper aims to study the platformization of the discussion on European topics by political agents such as politicians and political parties. Focusing on four Southern European countries – Greece, Italy, Portugal, and Spain – that have a common past history in their relationships with Europe (PIGS), we analyze political agents’ posts with the highest reach. The study was conducted on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube over a period of three months, between September and November 2021. Regarding the platformization and the success of communication strategies, overall right-wing politicians tend to be more effective in capturing the attention and mobilising the participation of social media users on Facebook and Twitter. Different political groups stand out in the discussion of different European issues on different platforms. However, for most countries, the Economy, related to Europe, was the main subject with the highest reach addressed by the political actors, thus reinforcing the idea of Structural Europeanization. However, with most posts having a national scope, this does not contribute to strengthening the construction of a European Identity (Normative Europeanization). These findings are aligned with previous literature regarding European issues being first and foremost used as leverage for national political struggles, especially due to national and populist movements.","PeriodicalId":149155,"journal":{"name":"Observatorio (OBS*)","volume":"30 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139782162","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Decoding algorithmic literacy among journalists","authors":"C. Foá, Paulo Couraceiro, Ana Pinto-Martinho","doi":"10.15847/obsobs18520242433","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15847/obsobs18520242433","url":null,"abstract":"Recent developments in generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) have revitalized academic discourse on algorithmic systems, particularly on their potential, ethical considerations, risks, and regulatory challenges. Extensive research has examined how algorithms affect communication processes, focusing on their influence on news organizations, journalistic practices, public-media dynamics, media literacy, and combating disinformation and filter bubbles.\u0000An emergent strand of research defines and measures the multidimensional concept of algorithmic literacy. However limited research exists on the intersection of algorithmic literacy and journalism. This gap is particularly concerning given the pivotal role of journalism in shaping public discourse, informing citizens, upholding democratic values and contrasting disinformation. Understanding how journalists perceive and engage with algorithms is essential, as these technologies significantly influence their professional tasks, including content production and distribution.\u0000In Portugal, where newcomer journalists work in precarious conditions and digital media transformation is rapidly evolving, understanding how journalists interact with and perceive algorithms is vital. Our study, through a multi-phased approach, aims to fill this gap questioning how can algorithmic literacy, encompassing cognitive, attitudinal and behavioural dimensions, be effectively assessed among professional journalists?\u0000The exploratory results present a validated methodological tool, instrument based on a multi-dimensional analytical framework and specifically designed to measure algorithmic literacy levels and to assess journalists’ experiences. Critical discussion addresses the methodological procedures and preliminary findings from the pre-test, offering insights into Portuguese journalists' understanding, perceptions, and competencies regarding algorithmic systems. By shedding light on the cognitive, affective, and behavioural aspects of journalists’ engagement with algorithms, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the algorithmic literacy among journalists, which is essential to sustain the quality of their work and for an effective counteraction against disinformation. It also opens avenues for similar studies in other geographical or professional contexts.","PeriodicalId":149155,"journal":{"name":"Observatorio (OBS*)","volume":"44 23","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139839589","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Special Issue (2024) Media Literacy to Tackle Disinformation","authors":"C. Sádaba, Vítor Tomè","doi":"10.15847/obsobs18520242440","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15847/obsobs18520242440","url":null,"abstract":" \u0000This OBS* Special Issue has been developed under IBERIFIER, Iberian Media Research and Fact-Checking, project funded by the EC under the European Digital Media Observatory initiative, CEF-TC-2020-2, grant number 2020-EU-IA-0252.","PeriodicalId":149155,"journal":{"name":"Observatorio (OBS*)","volume":"208 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139840631","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}