What exactly are fake news and deepfakes?
The representative IU study on media literacy shows that almost everyone in Germany knows what the term “fake news” means, regardless of their age.
The situation is different for “deepfake”, with only 34.3% of respondents knowing the meaning of the term. The younger the generation, the greater the knowledge about deepfakes: 45.3% of Generation Z, 37.7% of Generation Y, 27.3% of Generation X and 20.0% of baby boomers say they know what deepfakes are.
Question: Do you know what the term “fake news” means?
Question: Do you know what the term “deepfake” means?
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Respondents who were familiar with or unsure about the term “deepfake” described deepfakes as manipulated media content created using AI, the dissemination of false information for the purpose of deception, or the falsification of identities (faces, voices).
The meaning of fake news and deepfakes
Only after being asked whether they were familiar with the terms “fake news” and “deepfake” (see above), were the study participants given the following definitions.
Fake News: definition
Fake news is deliberately fabricated or manipulated news that is presented as genuine reporting, in an attempt to deceive people. It can be used to influence public opinion, attract attention or pursue economic and political interests.
Deepfake: Definition
A deepfake is a video, image or audio file that has been edited using artificial intelligence to look or sound authentic, with the aim of misrepresenting people, scenes or voices.
Please note: the IU study on media literacy focuses exclusively upon fake news and deepfakes used to deliberately spread false information – with the aim of deceiving and manipulating people. Therefore, the term “disinformation” is used in the context of the study as an umbrella term for fake news and deepfakes.
Information or manipulation? Exposing fake news
“In times of AI-generated content such as deepfakes and targeted disinformation, media literacy is much more than an educational issue – it is a democratic safeguard. Only those who critically question content and verify its origin can make informed decisions and remain capable, judicious citizens.”, says Prof. Dr Nele Hansen. The IU study also reveals how many people in Germany have already encountered disinformation in the form of fake news and deepfakes – and how they were able to expose it.
A great deal of experience and a great deal of uncertainty when it comes to disinformation
54.8% and 32.3% of respondents have already spotted fake news or a deepfake after checking information. The younger the respondents, the more frequently disinformation was exposed.
Another interesting finding: 26.1% and 23.5%, respectively, were unable to answer the question about true fact or (deep)fake with certainty.
Question: Have you ever come across fake news about current social and political events that you have discovered to be false after checking its accuracy yourself?
Question: Have you ever come across a deepfake about current social and political events that you have discovered to be false after checking its accuracy yourself?
According to the study, significantly more respondents are able to identify fake news; however, far fewer respondents are aware of deepfakes. This is probably due to the fact that deepfakes are a relatively new phenomenon undergoing rapid technological development – particularly in the realm of AI-generated videos. Younger people, in particular, are more likely to recognise deepfakes. This may indicate a higher level of awareness among this generation, who use AI more actively and are thus better able to assess its potential and risks.
The results also suggest that many younger respondents – as digital natives – do not use social media mindlessly. There are indications of a level of savviness when dealing with disinformation and a fundamentally critical view of content, especially from content creators.”
Prof. Dr Nele Hansen
Professor of Media Management at IU International University of Applied Sciences
Fake news exposed through comparisons and fact-checks
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Question: How did you figure out that it was fake news? I...
Only respondents who identified fake news through their own research; top 7 answers
Deepfakes detected through inconsistencies and errors
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Question: How did you figure out that it was a deepfake? I...
Only respondents who identified deepfakes through their own research; top 8 answers
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In an interview, Prof. Dr Nele Hansen discusses examples of fake news and deepfakes and provides tips on how people can better identify disinformation.
Many people particularly trust the information they receive from their personal network, i.e. from family and friends. Unfortunately, this trust can also open the door to fake news, as information is often shared without being checked. There is also what is known as a familiarity bias: we tend to automatically consider information from people we trust to be more credible, no matter how true it really is. This allows false information to spread more quickly within personal networks.”
Prof. Dr Julia Levasier
Professor of Public Relations and Communication at the IU International University of Applied Sciences
