Critical Dimensions in the Proliferation and Mitigation of Disinformation: A Delphi Study
- Alfonso Vara-Miguel University of Navarra https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4271-1858
- María del Pilar Martínez-Costa University of Navarra https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6564-0207
- Pilar Sánchez-García University of Valladolid https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6223-182X
- María Fernanda Novoa-Jaso University of Navarra https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1858-8343
Abstract
Although the spread of fake news and disinformation has historically been constant, current technology has amplified their reach and effects. Existing research has focused on the concept of disinformation, the analysis of technological and social factors that facilitate its proliferation, and the study of its effects at both social and individual levels. This study proposes future research directions to address emerging challenges in the field, focusing on its ongoing adaptation and the most effective strategies for its mitigation in the digital age. Using the Delphi method (N=16), this study reveals four general dimensions: digital environment and social media, which address the complexity of disinformation on platforms and networks; information quality and truthfulness, centered on the importance of informational integrity and ethical journalistic practices; audience competence and attention, which examine the challenge of capturing and maintaining public attention in a media-saturated environment; and polarization and hate speech, highlighting the need to combat the negative social consequences of disinformation.
Author Biographies
María del Pilar Martínez-Costa es profesora titular de Periodismo de la Facultad de Comunicación de la Universidad de Navarra. Investiga en los procesos de innovación, producción, distribución y comercialización de los medios digitales, así como en las tendencias de la narración sonora y radiofónica en el entorno digital. Es Coordinadora del Digital News Media Group y miembro del Center for Internet Studies and Digital Life de la Universidad de Navarra. Ha publicado más de 90 artículos y capítulos de libros en publicaciones nacionales e internacionales indexadas. Ha participado en 11 proyectos de investigación competitivos nacionales e internacionales, en 3 de ellos como Investigadora principal. En la actualidad es Investigadora principal 1 del proyecto coordinado Medios nativos digitales en España: tipologías, audiencias, construcción de la confianza y claves para la sostenibilidad periodística, (PID2021-122534OB-C22). Tiene 3 sexenios de investigación (1995-2004, 2005-2010, 2012-2019) reconocidos por la Comisión Nacional Evaluadora de la Actividad Investigadora (CNEAI). Ha sido acreditada como Catedrática de Universidad por ANECA el 31 de octubre de 2023.
Pilar Sánchez García es profesora titular en el Grado en Periodismo de la Universidad de Valladolid. Doctora en Periodismo por la Universidad de Valladolid y Licenciada en Ciencias de la Información por la Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca. Sus líneas de investigación se centran en la transformación de los medios digitales desde la perspectiva de la Inteligencia Artificial, la narrativa multimedia y los perfiles periodísticos emergentes. Es autora de un monográfico sobre la evolución de la enseñanza periodística en España y de una treintena de artículos y capítulos de investigación. Forma parte del Grupo de Investigación Reconocido Nuevas Tendencias en Comunicación’ (GIR Nuteco) y, entre otros, del proyecto de Investigación I+D+i ‘Medios nativos digitales en España: tipologías, audiencias, construcción de la confianza y claves para la sostenibilidad periodística’ (DIGINATIVEMEDIA 2). Ha ejercido el periodismo activo durante 15 años.
María Fernanda Novoa-Jaso es Doctora en Comunicación (Premio Extraordinario de Doctorado, 2021) y Máster en Investigación en Ciencias Sociales (2017) por la Universidad de Navarra. Es Ayudante Doctor en la Facultad de Comunicación de la Universidad de Navarra, donde imparte clases de International Communication & Public Opinion y Sociología. Desde 2021 es asistente editorial de la revista Communication & Society (Q1 Cultural Studies). Ha realizado estancias de investigación en Cambridge University (2022), Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism (2023), St Mary’s University, Twickenham (2019) y University of London (2019). Actualmente forma parte del proyecto Medios nativos digitales en España: tipologías, estrategias, competencias y sostenibilidad periodísticas (PID2021-122534OB-C22) dirigido por Pilar Martínez-Costa y Ramón Salaverría. Su investigación se centra en estudios de audiencias, propaganda, roles periodísticos y representaciones sociales en la cultura popular.
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