Latinos who rely on Spanish-language social media for news are significantly more likely to believe false political narratives compared to those using English-language platforms, according to a new study. Conducted around the 2022 U.S. midterm elections, the research from the University of California, San Diego and New York University reveals gaps in content moderation and fact-checking on Spanish-language media that leave these communities particularly vulnerable.
The study, which surveyed over 1,100 U.S.-based Latinos, examined seven widely circulated false narratives. Findings show that individuals using Spanish-language social media for news were 11 to 20 percentage points more likely to believe these narratives than their English-language counterparts. These narratives ranged from claims about U.S. immigration policies to misinformation surrounding COVID-19.
