Disinformation and Conspiracy Beliefs in East-Central Europe HDMO-CEDMO-BROD Survey

Our recent survey conducted collaboratively by researchers of the Hungarian Digital Media Observatory (HDMO), the Central European Digital Media Observatory (CEDMO), and the Bulgarian-Romanian Observatory of Digital Media (BROD).

The survey, conducted before the EP elections in 2024, analyzed the susceptibility of societies in Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Bulgaria to disinformation, conspiracy beliefs, and factual relativism. It also examined perceptions of geopolitical challenges, the EU’s role in the Ukraine war, and concerns about election interference.

Key Insights:

1. Conspiracy Thinking and Disinformation Susceptibility: differences across countries

The survey revealed significant regional differences in resistance to disinformation and conspiracy theories:

Czech and Slovak societies demonstrated higher resilience

Hungarian society exhibited a chronic susceptibility to disinformation and conspiracy narratives, with Bulgaria occupying a middle ground, leaning closer to Hungary.

False beliefs strongly overlap: belief in one conspiracy theory or disinformation narrative often correlates with acceptance of others.

2. Factual Relativism is widespread Across the Region

Skepticism toward facts and objective reality has reached alarming levels in all four countries. In Hungary, this “factual relativism” is particularly pronounced, driven by deep mistrust of the media.

Over two-thirds of respondents expressed doubt about the credibility of information presented as fact, creating fertile ground for any kind of disinformation

3. Election Interference Concerns: enemies everywhere

Widespread fears of election interference were evident, with perceptions varying across the region:

Hungary and Slovakia: Concerns focus on both Russia and the United States.

Czech Republic: Russia is viewed as the primary threat.

Bulgaria: The United States is perceived as the most likely actor to interfere.

4. Support for Ukraine and the EU’s Role

The region shows signs of "Ukraine fatigue." Support for military aid to Ukraine is low, with Hungarians being the least supportive (10%) and Czechs the most supportive (25%).

Approval of non-military support and sanctions against Russia remains higher but still limited across the surveyed countries.

5. Political Polarization and Conspiracy Beliefs

Political polarization fosters disinformation and conspiracy theories. Hungarian society, in particular, is deeply divided, with both government and opposition voters seeking echo chambers aligned with their political views.

6. Comparative Perceptions of Regional Leadership

Hungarians and Slovaks admire Czechia as the most developed country in the region, while perceptions of Hungary’s performance remain notably low, especially in Czechia.

Details of the research are available here (pdf).