Growing up with misinformation: A mixed-methods study of the perceptions,experiences,and responses among the 5- to 12-year-olds

Abstract

This mixed-methods study explores how children aged 5–12 years experience and respond to perceived misinformation on social media. Drawing on mobile ethnographic data and a survey of 401 Danish children, the research shows that children perceive misinformation as a frequent part of their digital lives, especially on platforms such as YouTube. Children encounter diverse forms of misleading content—from playful videos to harmful challenges and fake science—and react with emotions ranging from amusement and curiosity to confusion, fear, and anger. Older children display greater awareness and vocabulary related to misinformation, while younger ones engage with it more imaginatively. The study also highlights the role of parents in shaping how children interpret and react to misleading content and underscores the need for age-sensitive approaches to media literacy. By centering children’s perspectives, the study offers new insights into how misinformation affects the youngest users.