Work

Truth and Trust in the News: How Young People in Portugal and Finland Perceive Information Operations in the Media

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study explores how young people in Finland and Portugal perceive media trust and vulnerability to information operations in the digital era. While both groups rely heavily on digital platforms for news, they view online sources as less reliable due to disinformation and fake news, especially on TikTok and Instagram. Trust and truth appear emotionally driven, with influencers and entertainment content often considered credible, increasing susceptibility to manipulation. Despite identifying as ‘digital natives’, participants rarely question source credibility or algorithmic influence, leaving them exposed to adversarial actors, such as Russia.

Source: Journalism and Media

DOI: 10.3390/journalmedia7010013

Authors: Niina Meriläinen, Ana Melro

Institutions: Tampere University, University of Tampere, Universidade do Porto, University of Minho

Language: English

Topic: Misinformation and Its Impacts

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,207

Funder: Koneen Säätiö