Study finds Indians worried about misinformation and its effects on elections

A recent Adobe study has shed light on the growing concerns among Indians regarding misinformation and its potential impact on elections. The survey, which included over 2,000 participants, revealed that a significant majority of respondents are worried about the manipulation of online content to spread false information.

According to the study, 81 per cent of Indians fear that online content could be altered to disseminate misinformation. This concern has led 45 per cent of respondents to reduce their use of certain social media platforms. Additionally, a staggering 86 per cent believe that misinformation will play a role in upcoming elections, prompting 82 per cent to advocate for restrictions on the use of generative AI by election candidates.

The study also highlighted the call for collaborative efforts between governments and tech companies to safeguard election integrity, with 94 per cent of respondents supporting this initiative. Furthermore, 92 per cent emphasized the importance of having tools to verify the authenticity of online content, while 94 per cent stressed the need for media literacy education in schools.

Commissioned by Adobe in partnership with Advanis, the survey aimed to gauge public perceptions on the societal impact of generative AI and misinformation, particularly in the context of the ongoing elections in India. Conducted in March, the study provides valuable insights into the concerns and recommendations of Indian residents aged 18 and older.

Overall, the findings of the study underscore the pressing need for proactive measures to combat misinformation and ensure the integrity of democratic processes in India.