Online Information Disorder & Children

Conference Paper (2025)
Author(s)

Hrishita Chakrabarti (TU Delft - Web Information Systems)

Diletta Micol Tobia (University of Lugano)

Monica Landoni (University of Lugano)

Maria Soledad Pera (TU Delft - Web Information Systems)

Research Group
Web Information Systems
More Info
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Publication Year
2025
Language
English
Research Group
Web Information Systems
Volume number
3986
Pages (from-to)
24-38
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Abstract

The rise of digital platforms for accessing online content-from popular search engines to social media sites- has contributed to the (un)intentional propagation of misleading information. This phenomenon, known as Information Disorder, affects individuals and society. Extensive research has been conducted to study and address Information Disorder as it pertains to the general population. Yet, little is known about how children, who have specific needs and behaviours when interacting with digital content, deal with misleading information and how the algorithms, that underlay the information access tools they use, mitigate or exacerbate the issue. Through a systematic literature review, we present research efforts that address or discuss the impact of Information Disorder on children and their overall information-seeking experience. We analyse the literature from various perspectives, including children's behaviour across platforms and the solutions developed to mitigate misleading information. Inspired by the knowledge distilled and gaps identified in our review, we discuss research directions that tackle both technological and human-centred challenges children face when dealing with misleading information, seeking to establish a foundation to mitigate the effects of Information Disorder among children.