Awareness, Disinformation and Making Informed Decisions

Maltese Citizens More Concerned Than EU Average About AI-Generated Content and Disinformation

A recent Eurobarometer survey has revealed that Maltese citizens express significantly higher levels of concern about artificial intelligence-generated content, disinformation and online risks compared to the European Union average.

The survey findings indicate that warnings about the dangers of misinformation and disinformation have resonated strongly with the Maltese population. While misinformation refers to false information shared without malicious intent, disinformation is deliberately created to mislead audiences – a distinction that has become increasingly important in today’s digital landscape.

According to the Eurobarometer results, an overwhelming 78% of Maltese respondents reported being “highly worried” about disinformation, with an additional 14% expressing moderate concern. These figures reflect a growing awareness of how misleading information can distort public perception on critical issues, generate unwarranted fear, and potentially incite animosity toward individuals or groups.

Even more striking was the concern about AI-generated fake content, with 79% of Maltese respondents reporting high levels of worry and 12% indicating moderate concern. This anxiety is well-founded as the technology behind deepfake videos and other AI-generated content continues to advance rapidly, making it increasingly difficult for the average person to distinguish between authentic and fabricated material.

Media experts note that the sophistication of AI technology has reached a point where the potential consequences of manipulated content – such as videos falsifying political statements or fabricating events – pose significant threats to public discourse and democratic processes.

“The pace at which this technology is evolving demands proportionate regulatory responses,” said a digital policy specialist who wished to remain anonymous. “We need frameworks requiring clear identification of AI-generated content, alongside tools that can help users identify what is and isn’t authentic.”

While the high level of awareness among the Maltese population is encouraging, experts emphasize the critical importance of media literacy and education. These skills are essential for helping citizens navigate an increasingly complex information environment and identify potentially misleading content.

One crucial yet often overlooked aspect of the modern information ecosystem is the formation of “social media bubbles.” Users tend to follow accounts and pages that align with their existing perspectives, creating echo chambers that reinforce particular viewpoints while excluding others. This phenomenon is particularly concerning in an environment where opinion is frequently presented as fact.

“When people only encounter one perspective on an issue, they miss the full picture,” explained a communications professor from the University of Malta. “Breaking out of these information bubbles is essential for developing a comprehensive understanding of complex issues.”

Social media platforms have revolutionized how people connect and share information, but these same technologies create vulnerabilities that can be exploited to spread falsehoods quickly and widely.

Digital literacy advocates recommend several strategies for navigating this complex landscape: verifying information through trusted sources, distinguishing between factual reporting and commentary, consulting multiple viewpoints on controversial issues, and maintaining a healthy skepticism about content encountered online.

The Eurobarometer findings serve as a reminder that while digital technologies offer unprecedented access to information, they also require users to develop new skills to evaluate the credibility and authenticity of what they consume.

As AI technologies continue to evolve, the challenge of distinguishing between genuine and fabricated content will likely intensify, making the concerns expressed by Maltese respondents increasingly relevant across Europe and beyond.