Disinformation Poll Results

Last month we asked you about foreign disinformation campaigns. Here’s what you had to say.

Most people (63 percent of respondents) believe that foreign campaigns account for between 25 and 75 percent of disinformation. Just over a quarter of respondents believe that it accounts for less than 25 percent, while one in ten believes it accounts for more than 75 percent of disinformation.

We also asked about the campaign that CSIS is using to teach Canadians about foreign interference. Interestingly, there was no one who believed that scare tactics are completely ineffective. About 15 percent of respondents think that the use of foreign imagery scare tactics is a good way to create awareness. However, the majority of respondents (75 percent) believe that the campaign has to go further than awareness, by educating people how to recognize disinformation. 

As always, your comments are interesting and valid. Here’s a smattering of what you told us.

You remind us that foreign misinformation comes from many countries, not just China and Russia. Also that some foreign misinformation campaigns have domestic support. You also suggest ways to help people better interpret information. One respondent says “Calling it ‘fake news’ isn’t enough, that just encourages general cynicism. Calling social media ‘entertainment’, or even ‘fiction’ would be better.” Another suggestion is to create an independent centre to call out disinformation and misinformation that fuels partisan politics. 

Thanks to all who participated. It is always interesting to hear what our readers have to say about topics we write about. Often we hear that people have more to say than our small poll allows. As always, we encourage dialogue about our articles on our website. Your participation helps us explore important ideas.