Meta has announced major changes to its approach to fact-checking. The company will abandon third-party programs for its social networks Facebook, Instagram, and Threads in the United States, introducing a system inspired by X’s (formerly Twitter) Community Notes. This new approach outsources fact-checking to a select group of users, replacing the work of professional fact-checkers.
Who are the professional fact-checkers and how will the new system work?
Professional fact-checkers are experts dedicated to verifying the authenticity and accuracy of information disseminated in the media, social networks and other communication platforms. Their goal is to identify false, inaccurate or manipulative content, providing the public with tools to correctly interpret news and counter the spread of disinformation. With the rise of fake news and disinformation online, professional fact-checkers have played a crucial role in ensuring that people have access to accurate information.
Instead, the Community Notes model relies on the contribution of a small group of verified users, chosen based on criteria such as account seniority. This system, already used on X, allows authorized users to add notes to posts, providing context for evaluating their trustworthiness.
The situation in Europe: the influence of DSA
In Europe, Meta will keep its fact-checking programs active until at least 2025. In line with its obligations under the Digital Services Act (DSA). This regulation requires digital platforms to implement effective measures against disinformation, imposing a different approach than in the United States.
In its report to the European Union, Meta acknowledged the effectiveness of the current system. However, the company could explore alternative solutions, such as the use of artificial intelligence, to improve verification processes without violating European regulations.
School and fake news: risks for critical thinking
Meta’s decision to change the content moderation system could have a significant impact on the relationship between social media, school and the phenomenon of fake news. In recent years, digital platforms have taken on an increasing role in informing young people, often without providing adequate tools to distinguish between reliable and misleading content.
With the reduction of guarantees offered by Meta (currently only in the United States). The burden of verifying information could shift to users, including schools. Which do not always have the resources necessary to manage this responsibility. Platforms, despite having introduced tools such as Community Notes. Could be perceived as less reliable to support the educational process.
Fake news hinders the development of critical thinking, an essential skill in the educational context. Students, without adequate tools to verify information, risk passively accepting incorrect content. Reducing their ability to analyze and interpret data independently. This can translate into a simplified and polarized view of reality. Which compromises the quality of learning and civic participation.
Digital Education as a Response to Misinformation
With the shift to the Community Notes model, there is an increased risk that unverified content will spread more quickly, exposing students and teachers to inaccurate or manipulated information. Schools, already engaged in digital education, may find themselves having to further fill the gap left by professional moderation, integrating skills to recognize and counter misinformation into their training programs. These changes could push schools to:
• intensify media literacy courses, teaching how to critically evaluate online sources and content;
• adopt technological tools and resources that help students and teachers identify fake news;
• collaborate with external organizations, such as independent fact-checkers, to provide information support.
Finally, promoting classroom dialogue on current affairs can be an effective tool to counteract the influence of fake news. Teachers can guide students towards critical discussion. Encouraging them to explore different perspectives and question the reliability of the information they encounter.https://youtu.be/L2Jud35UH14?si=VHJP3oRou09ACxkq