Disinformation Against Migrants: Why Awareness Shapes Safer Digital Spaces
The 2024 June-July Eurobarometer identifies disinformation as one of the key concerns for Europeans. 19% of respondents list manipulation and false information among the biggest challenges. Many of these narratives focus on migrants; they circulate widely online and influence public debate.
Disinformation works because it often blends emotional claims with partial truths. Stories that play on fear or uncertainty spread quickly among users who may not have the tools to verify what they see. These narratives shape attitudes toward communities that already face exclusion; they also weaken trust in institutions.
HATELESS responds by promoting media literacy and supporting tools that help young people understand how misleading content operates. Awareness encourages people to recognize patterns of distortion. It guides them toward verified information and makes it easier to discuss sensitive topics without reinforcing harmful stereotypes.
Safer digital spaces form when users approach content with curiosity rather than reaction and when conversation is built on facts instead of assumptions.
Source: Ipsos. 2024. EU challenges and priorities Summary. PDF
