Almost seven out of ten Dutch people are concerned about the influence of fake news. This is apparent from research by NoTies, commissioned by the Dutch Media Literacy Network ('Netwerk Mediawijsheid'). Dutch people expected fake news to have an influence on early 2021 elections for the House of Representatives. 60 percent of those surveyed are concerned about the influence of fake news on voting behaviour. More than three quarters of the Dutch think that fake news has a major influence on information about the coronavirus and vaccinations. Disinformation is a growing problem.

The effects on, for example, the approach to the coronavirus, social debates and democratic processes are becoming increasingly visible. In order to increase knowledge about fake news in a low-threshold manner, Netwerk Mediawijsheid introduced the website isdatechtzo.nl on February 5th, 2021. On the website, visitors will find useful tips to identify incorrect information and learn more about how fake news works.

Three quarters of the Dutch think they encounter fake news weekly or more often. In the age group of 30 to 49 years, 82 percent indicate that they encounter fake news weekly or more often. At the same time, 64 percent of the Dutch state that they never share a fake news item. A majority think they can recognise fake news (58 percent), but only 21 percent of those surveyed expect others to be able to recognise fake news. The Dutch trust traditional media the most, such as national dailies (74 percent), regional dailies (74 percent) and television (73 percent). Social media channels are least trusted as a news source, while it is actually the most commonly used news source by the majority of the Dutch.