How Finland Tackles Fake News: Essential Lessons for Spotting Misinformation in Social Media

Image of  Finnish students in a social studies class researching the issues at play in an EU election as part of their critical thinking curriculum. (Source: CNN)

In today’s digital age, the rapid spread of misinformation has made it harder than ever to separate fact from fiction, particularly on social media platforms. Inaccurate information spreads faster than ever before, influencing public opinion and even shaping political and social outcomes. As fake news becomes increasingly prevalent, understanding how to identify trustworthy sources is essential, especially for the next generation of leaders and thinkers.

The Growing Problem of Fake News

A study by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) found that fake news spreads on Twitter six times faster than the truth. This rapid spread is partly due to fake news being designed to trigger strong emotions like anger, fear, or surprise, which drives more shares and likes.

Additionally, this sensational content feeds the algorithms by which many social media platforms operate, meaning that misleading or false news often gets more visibility than well-researched, fact-based stories. The consequences of this are alarming, as fake news can contribute to the spread of misinformation on critical issues such as health, politics, and science.

How Education Fights Back Against Fake News

One of the most effective ways to combat the spread of fake news is through education. Teaching individuals, especially students, how to critically evaluate information is essential. This is where Finland’s approach to combating fake news stands out as a model for the rest of the world.

In response to the increasing threat of disinformation, Finland incorporated media literacy into its national academic curriculum, and they are recognized as global leaders in media literacy education. Starting from an early age, students are taught how to critically assess the information they encounter online. This includes understanding how news is produced, identifying biases, and recognizing between credible and non-credible sources.

Finland’s approach to combating fake news centers on equipping students with critical questioning skills for evaluating information. Students are taught to ask questions like:  

• Who is the author?  
• What is the intent behind the source?  
• Is there evidence supporting the information?  
• Is there bias in the presentation of the news?  

By developing these critical thinking abilities, students become more discerning consumers of information and less susceptible to false narratives.

Finland’s Media Literacy Success

Finland’s focus on media literacy has already generated positive results: the country consistently ranks high in international studies that assess citizens’ ability to identify disinformation. A 2023 study by the Open Society Institute ranked Finland as the most resilient country in Europe against fake news. Finnish students are not only equipped with traditional academic knowledge but also with the tools to navigate the complex digital landscape of the modern world.

Additionally, Finland’s efforts go beyond the classroom, with active collaborations with journalists, tech companies, and educators to foster a national culture of critical media consumption. Public awareness campaigns and resources are readily available to the general population, further reinforcing the importance of media literacy.

The Growing Importance of Media Literacy Today

Social media has become a primary source of news for many people, especially younger generations. Without proper media literacy education, people are more vulnerable to falling for fake news, potentially sharing and amplifying harmful misinformation.

The ability to identify fake news is not just a skill for journalists or fact-checkers—it’s a fundamental life skill for everyone in the digital age. Furthermore, the lines between traditional news outlets and user-generated content have blurred. 

In an era where misinformation can have real-world consequences – from elections to public health crises – we need to ensure that, as citizens, we are well-informed and capable of making decisions based on facts, not fiction. 

Final Thoughts 

The rise of fake news on social media underscores the urgent need for widespread media literacy education. Finland provides a powerful example by embedding critical thinking and media literacy into its education system. By teaching individuals—especially the next generation—how to critically evaluate information, we can cultivate a more informed and resilient society. In a world where sensationalism and misinformation often obscure the truth, the ability to discern fact from fiction has never been more crucial.

As other countries seek solutions to the challenges posed by fake news, Finland’s success highlights the critical role of media literacy in education systems worldwide. By making media literacy a cornerstone of education, we can empower individuals to navigate the complexities of the information age with confidence and discernment.

Sources:

1. Source: Vosoughi, Soroush, Roy, Deb, & Aral, Sinan (2018). “The spread of true and false news online.” The MIT study found that false news stories were 70% more likely to be retweeted than the truth, with the spread happening at a significantly faster rate.
2. Source: Open Society Institute Sofia (2021). Media Literacy Index 2021. This report ranked European countries based on their ability to resist disinformation, with Finland scoring the highest due to its robust media literacy education programs and public awareness initiatives.

Written by: Maritza Morelli, Child Psychologist and Executive Director & Co-Founder of Los Niños Primero