Media credibility and fact-checking strategies among adults aged 65 and over in Spain

Abstract

This article analyzes media credibility and information verification strategies among adults over 65 in Spain, within a context marked by a crisis of institutional trust, the proliferation of misinformation, and accelerated digital transformation. The main objective is to identify the factors that generate trust in this population segment and explore their reactions to fake news and the impact of artificial intelligence. Methodologically, the research adopts a qualitative approach combining two focus groups and 17 in-depth interviews with individuals aged 65 to 89. The results reveal a significant paradox: although there is high discursive skepticism toward mainstream media, a selective trust in traditional outlets persists, based on their historical trajectory and a perceived professionalism that acts as a guarantee for cross-checking. However, this trust is heavily mediated by ideological and confirmation biases, as well as an increasing saturation due to the excess of negative information. Regarding verification, analog strategies such as "information quarantine" and reliance on family networks predominate over the use of specific digital tools. Finally, the study highlights a social demand for transparency, regulation of AI-generated content, and adapted media literacy programs that transcend purely technological aspects to integrate socio-emotional factors. The findings underline the urgency of promoting critical citizenship through intergenerational collaboration strategies that empower older adults and act as a shield against the risks of misinformation within a saturated and technologically complex media ecosystem