The disinformation ecosystem and efforts at countering disinformation among Slovak youth

Abstract

This study addresses the research problem of the increasing exposure of Slovak youth to the disinformation ecosystem and its impact on their ability to critically evaluate information. The research aims to (1) assess the current impact of disinformation on young people in Slovakia and (2) identify effective interventions to mitigate its negative effects. The study applies a qualitative research design combining primary empirical research conducted among secondary school students with qualitative content analysis (n = 500, Košice and Prešov regions, 2023) and documentary analysis of secondary sources. Primary research findings reveal no evidence of extremist tendencies among respondents, yet notable subgroup differences were identified: secondary grammar school students and female respondents demonstrated greater critical awareness and openness to plurality of opinion. The study concludes that strengthening media literacy and critical thinking through education and civic engagement is essential for enhancing resilience to disinformation and supporting democratic stability.