Cross-country evidence on information evaluation competency

In an increasingly digitalized world, consumers and citizens need to be able to evaluate information critically. This is especially important as much of the information they encounter may be strategically distorted. Companies often have incentives not to fully inform consumers or mislead them to promote their interests. This happens, for example, through advertising on social media, where the information presented is often influenced by paying parties. Such distorted information can also resonate in so-called "filter bubbles" and "echo chambers," where consumers only see information that confirms their existing beliefs. Our research project examines how people from different countries cope with this challenge. We are conducting an online study with representative samples from Austria/Germany, the USA, and China. In doing so, we measure participants` ability to critically evaluate information and analyze which factors influence their "skepticism." We are particularly interested in how different regulatory environments and individual factors such as education and work experience affect this ability. Additionally, we are investigating whether simple educational measures, such as short explanatory videos, can improve the ability to critically evaluate information. In these videos, we explain the basic mechanisms of information distortion and provide practical tips on how to better assess information. Through a follow-up study with our Austrian-German sample, we examine whether and how these videos improve participants` information evaluation skills in the long term. Our goal is to identify ways to better protect consumers and citizens from misinformation. We hope that our research will help raise awareness of the importance of critical information evaluation and develop practical solutions to improve this crucial skill.