Voters are deeply wary of attempts to mislead them ahead of next month’s elections.
Of voters in four states, 92% are concerned. This
breaks down to 95% of Democrats, 92% of Republicans and 88% of Independents.
Boomers are the most skeptical cohort at 63%, followed by Gen X with 52%. In contrast, only 45%of Gen Z and
millennials are very worried.
One particular fear is AI-generated falsehoods that could influence the 2025 election—91% of all adults are at least somewhat
worried.
Over 90% of every generation expresses concern, and it crosses party lines, affecting 94% of Democrats, 93% of Republicans and 86% of Independents.
And, only 10% of all respondents are confident they can spot misinformation.
Traditional local news sources seem to be the most trusted—32% rely on local TV
and newspapers, more than any other source of news. But 22% utilize social media, despite calling it the least trustworthy.
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The study also shows patterns in the
individual states studied:
In California, 94% are worried that misinformation will influence the state ballot measure on redistricting. This includes 97% of Democrats, 94% of Republicans
and 74% of Independents.
Similarly, New Jersey voters are worried that misinformation will impact the upcoming election, in which candidates are running for
governor.
But respondents in nearby New York City seem slightly less fearful, despite the high-profile mayoral election coming up: 82% fret that there will be attempts
to mislead them through fake news and misinformation. This includes 88% of Democrats, 84% of Republicans and 72% of Independents.
Yet, 45% encounter false or
misleading information by AI every day.
In Virginia, 93% are concerned about misinformation, including 94% of Democrats, 94% of Republicans and 88% of Independents;
67% believe misinformation has increased in the last year, and more than 50% say they encounter it daily.
What can be done? Go out and vote.
SmartNews surveyed 1,082
individuals in selected states, including 881 in California, 904 in New Jersey, 871 in Virginia and 859 in New York City from September 15-19.