current
Evolving Online Safety Concerns
Misinformation and hateful content remain prevalent online harms, with increasing concerns about deepfakes and the need for stronger safety measures.
Themes
Timeframe
immediate
Categories
Impact areas
Detailed Analysis
Misinformation continues to be a major concern, with fluctuations in specific types depending on current events. "Misinformation remained the most prevalent potential harm, with 39% of users aged 13+ saying they had encountered it in June 2024." Hateful content is also on the rise, while deepfakes are emerging as a new threat. There is a growing demand for stronger online safety measures, particularly among women and older adults.
Context Signals
Political and conflict-related misinformation saw significant increases in certain periods, likely influenced by the UK General Election and the war in Gaza.
Men are more likely to encounter misinformation and scams, while women are more likely to encounter unwelcome friend requests and misogynistic content.
Many children use social media with adult user ages, increasing their risk of exposure to harmful content.
Edge
Platforms need to develop more effective strategies for combating misinformation and hateful content, including improved reporting mechanisms and content moderation.
Public awareness campaigns and educational initiatives are crucial to equip users with the skills to identify and avoid online harms, including deepfakes.
The increasing prevalence of deepfakes could necessitate new regulatory frameworks and technological solutions to address their potential misuse.
