Research links declining local journalism to rising social media misinformation

Research conducted by OsloMet professor Steen Steensen suggests that the decline of local journalism allows social media platforms, specifically Facebook groups, to become primary information sources, often with negative consequences for local democracy.

Through fieldwork in Ringwood, England, and Frederiksberg, Denmark, Steensen observed that when local newspapers weaken or disappear, Facebook groups fill the void. While these groups facilitate participation, they also lack journalistic standards and are prone to misinformation and unclear agendas.

In Ringwood, where no local newspaper has existed for several years, Steensen found that certain Facebook groups, such as crime watch communities, became venues for xenophobic content. The study noted instances where individuals with foreign appearances were targeted or portrayed as potential threats.