In an age of information flow at breakneck speed, disinformation has become not just a marginal phenomenon but a real structural challenge for Eastern European democracies. Empirical data and comparative analysis presented the analysis published in the Journal of Political Science and International Relations, indicates that media literacy plays a key role in societal resilience against information manipulation. While there is a declaratory consensus on the need to counter fake news, the statistical reality reveals notable discrepancies between European countries in terms of their ability to educate citizens and maintain a free press.
Indicators, information gaps and vulnerabilities in Europe
Media Literacy Index (MLI), calculated and updated annually by the Open Society Institute - Sofia, eloquently demonstrates these differences. In 2023, across a broad European sample, Finland, the Netherlands and Denmark remain at the top, with MLI scores above 70 points (out of a scale of 100), reflecting pluralistic information environments, well-performing education systems and high levels of social trust. At the opposite pole, countries in the Western Balkans or Turkey score below 35, indicating that the public is more susceptible to misinformation and conspiracy theories.
In Eastern Europe, countries such as Estonia (with one of the best PISA scores in the region and a relatively free media) have achieved an MLI score close to the European leaders, while Romania, Bulgaria or Albania remain in the bottom group with low scores and high vulnerability.
Distribution of the media literacy index of the populations of Albania, Bulgaria, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Montenegro, Romania, Slovakia and Turkey according to Lessenski in the period 2017-2023
Looking closely at the trajectory of the index for the ten countries included in the study, it can be seen that over the period 2017-2023 there was a modest reduction of about one point in the media literacy index for Latvia, Slovakia and Hungary, Bulgaria) and Albania. Throughout this period, Estonia maintained its level relatively constant, unlike Romania and Poland, which by 2023 saw significant decreases of -5 and -4 points respectively. The only countries that managed to visibly improve their index over this period were Montenegro and Turkey.
Distribution of European countries into the 5 clusters according to their media literacy score in 2023
The discrepancies are not limited to the consumption or production of information, but are also found in other indicators. Statistical analysis linked to data of Eurobarometer May/June 2023 shows that, paradoxically, in countries with high levels of media literacy, trust in the European Union or in their own national institutions is not necessarily higher. In contrast, the link between media literacy and social and health behaviors is much clearer. For example, the correlation between MLI and the rate of anti-COVID vaccination from 2022 revealed a significant positive relationship. Countries that have invested in media literacy and have high scores, such as Estonia or Poland, also have higher percentages of their population vaccinated (above 60%), while countries with low media literacy (Romania, Bulgaria) have considerably lower immunization rates, often below 50%. This is a clear indicator that individuals who are able to identify credible sources and reject conspiracy narratives are more likely to make rational decisions about their own health.
Correlation graph between the media literacy index and the proportion of populations that have been vaccinated with at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine in the 10 states analyzed (based on data from the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center and The Media Literacy Index 2022)
Furthermore, my research also identified a strong correlation between Corruption Perception Index (CPI) with media literacy. Countries with high MLIs also tend to be perceived as less corrupt by the people of those countries, a sign that citizens' ability to separate facts from misinformation allows them to more effectively sanction abuses of power, reducing the space in which corruption can proliferate. In such contexts, media literacy emerges as a double antidote: not only against fake news, but also against the degradation of the moral and institutional fiber of society.
Correlation graph between the media literacy index and the corruption perception index in the 10 states analyzed (based on data provided by Corruption Perception Index 2023 and The Media Literacy Index 2023)
EU response and policies for Romania
The European Union is seeking to respond to these challenges through policy sets and initiatives. Starting with the Communication "Combating online disinformation: a European approach" (2018) and continuing with the Plan of action for European democracy, the Code on good practice on disinformation and the Directive of Audiovisual Media Services (AVMSD), Brussels provides a regulatory framework and concrete incentives to hold online platforms accountable, develop networks of fact-checkers and embed media literacy in the school curricula . Although the impact of these measures will not be immediate, the statistical data presented in the current analysis can serve as a guide for Member States and candidate countries, showing very clearly where intervention is needed and how investment in education and free media can lead to tangible results.
In a political and social environment marked by uncertainty and information conflicts, media literacy becomes a strategic factor. Responding to the avalanche of fake newsThe coercive approach, conspiracy theories or subtle misinformation cannot be coercive alone. It must be coupled with a long-term educational policy, based on empirical data and rigorous statistical correlations, which cultivates discernment and strengthens resilience in the face of the temptation of toxic simplifications. And the evidence from the recently published studies suggests beyond doubt that a media literate population is better equipped to navigate a complex information landscape, make informed decisions and ultimately strengthen the very democratic foundation of European societies.
The empirical data and correlations discussed indicate that media literacy can no longer be considered a marginal tool, but a strategic resource in maintaining the integrity of democracy and social stability, especially in the context of repeated presidential elections in Romania. In the absence of concerted action, society remains exposed to intense campaigns of manipulation and propaganda, fake news and conspiracy theories, at a political moment of major stakes for the country's development. The low level of media literacy among the population, as evidenced by statistical indicators and benchmarking with other European countries, may have a significant impact on the ability of voters to discern between credible and misleading information. In the absence of a critical filter, public debates can turn into mere exercises in emotional manipulation, eroding trust in candidates and institutions. This vulnerability is exacerbated by the general context of declining trust in democratic institutions, low voter turnout and a trend towards social polarization.
The effects will go beyond the election result. An easily misled society is prone to accept poorly informed public policies or to misinterpret national and international priorities. In a country where the perception of corruption is already high, misinformation can amplify suspicions, and suspicions can in turn amplify distrust, so that a vicious circle can easily set in. In this climate, investment in media literacy becomes a pressing necessity. The example of high-index countries such as Finland, Denmark or Estonia shows that where education systems are strong, press freedom is protected and social cohesion is high, misinformation is much less likely to influence electoral choices and public discourse.
In Romania, a coherent strategy could provide immediate and long-term benefits. Integrating media literacy into school curricula (or at least initiating serious discussions on the subject), teacher training and workshops organized for the general public would create the preconditions for building resilience and information literacy. In addition, building sustainable partnerships with networks of fact-checkers and independent journalists would allow for the rapid and effective debunking of potentially manipulative fake news in the context of the presidential elections next spring.
Of course we shouldn't drink cold water. Media literacy does not solve the problem of manipulation overnight, but it can be an important step in giving citizens the tools they need to navigate the complex information landscape of the 21st century more confidently. In the context of the 2025 presidential elections, when Romania faces decisions that will influence its stability and its democratic future, these measures are not a mere luxury, but a fundamental element for the proper functioning of society and the rule of law.
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Dr. Nicolae Tibrigan, expert coordonator <Digital Forensic Team> și Project Manager „Media Literacy Booster”
*The full analytical material has been published on the Comunitatea Liberală 1848 under the title "Care este legătura între analfabetismul media și rata de vaccinare""
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This project was funded in part by a grant from United States Department of State. The opinions, findings and conclusions stated herein are those of the author[s] and do not necessarily reflect those of the United States Department of State
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