Latinos on Spanish-Language Social Media More Likely to Believe Political Misinformation, Study Finds

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.

The issue stems from multiple factors. Latinos tend to rely on social media and messaging platforms more than other demographic groups, often using these spaces to maintain ties with families abroad. However, fact-checking efforts are less robust in Spanish compared to English, and the platforms allocate fewer resources to combat misinformation in Spanish-language content.

"Latino voters are heavily courted in U.S. elections, and there has been much speculation on the reasons behind their increase in Republican support in the 2024 Presidential contest," corresponding author Marisa Abrajano, a professor of political science at UC San Diego, said in a news release. "Understanding their news and information sources on social media, especially as it pertains to political misinformation, is an important factor to consider."

A Nielsen study highlighted the trust and intimacy these platforms offer, making them central to many Latinos' information consumption. Yet, this reliance also opens the door to targeted disinformation campaigns. During the 2020 presidential election, for example, Spanish-language YouTube videos spread numerous falsehoods aimed at influencing voters, a tactic likely to reemerge as the 2024 election approaches.

The consequences of these vulnerabilities are significant. Latinos represent roughly 25% of the U.S. population and hold considerable sway in key swing states like Florida and Arizona. Researchers emphasized that misinformation can shape political beliefs, potentially undermining informed decision-making.

"While there's been widespread concern about the prevalence of Spanish-language misinformation on social media, our study is the first to empirically demonstrate its impact on political knowledge among Latino communities in the United States," according to co-author Jonathan Nagler, a co-director of NYU's CSMaP.

The researchers call for more investment in countering false narratives targeting Spanish-speaking communities, arguing that such efforts are essential to safeguard democracy, especially as the Latino electorate continues to grow in size and influence.

While the study underscores the urgent need for better content moderation, addressing the problem remains challenging. The diverse linguistic landscape of Spanish, which includes formal Spanish, regional dialects, and Spanglish, complicates algorithmic fact-checking. Additionally, foreign actors have amplified misinformation in the past, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.