GITNUXREPORT 2025

Lies Damn Lies Statistics

Misinformation spreads rapidly, influenced by psychology, technology, and media practices.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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In 2021, the World Health Organization identified misinformation as a major obstacle to managing the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Research shows that headlines containing numbers tend to attract more clicks, which can contribute to misleading or exaggerated claims.

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A study found that misinformation is particularly effective when it aligns with cultural or societal values.

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Misinformation can lead to real-world harm, including violence, as seen in cases where false rumors incited riots or violence.

Statistic 5

Misinformation spread during crises, such as natural disasters, can impair emergency response efforts and increase public confusion.

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Misinformation is known to influence public opinion significantly, with 55% of people reporting that fake news has altered their perception on key issues.

Statistic 7

During the COVID-19 pandemic, misinformation led to some individuals refusing vaccination, potentially causing hundreds of preventable deaths.

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Studies estimate that misinformation costs the global economy billions annually in health, safety, and productivity losses.

Statistic 9

In particular, misinformation related to health and vaccines has led to measurable declines in vaccination rates in various countries.

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Fact-checking organizations have verified over 300,000 false claims related to COVID-19 alone during the pandemic period.

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In 2022, TikTok was identified as a major source of health misinformation among young audiences.

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A review of misinformation during health crises revealed that misinformation spread via social media reduces compliance with health directives by up to 15%.

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According to a 2018 study, false news stories are 70% more likely to be retweeted than true stories.

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A 2019 report indicated that fake news spreads six times faster than real news on social media platforms.

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A study found that 80% of teenagers have at least encountered fake news online.

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Political misinformation accounts for about 50% of total false news shared online.

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According to research, people who frequently share political content are 40% more likely to share unverified or false information.

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Studies indicate that headlines with sensational words or emotional appeals are more likely to be believed and shared, contributing to the spread of misinformation.

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A 2020 survey indicated that 72% of adults get news from social media, where lies and misinformation are prevalent.

Statistic 20

Nearly 90% of misinformation shared on Facebook is spread via a small group of highly active users.

Statistic 21

Misleading statistics, also called "statistical lies," can often be identified through inconsistencies or the cherry-picking of data.

Statistic 22

The use of "statistical manipulation" accounts for an estimated 30% of flawed research in scientific publications.

Statistic 23

During elections, false claims or "fake news" stories are often coordinated to influence voter behavior.

Statistic 24

According to research, 54% of consumers said they would intentionally spread false information if they stood to benefit financially.

Statistic 25

The use of deepfake technology has increased by over 1000% since 2018, enhancing the potential for lies and misinformation.

Statistic 26

The "fake news" industry is estimated to generate billions of dollars annually through clickbait, advertising, and political consulting.

Statistic 27

The use of fact-checking labels on social media posts reduces the sharing of false information by approximately 50%.

Statistic 28

Misleading or false information about climate change remains prevalent, with over 45% of climate-related news being rated as misleading by fact-checkers.

Statistic 29

Training programs aimed at journalists and media professionals can reduce the spread of misinformation within news outlets.

Statistic 30

Approximately 80% of internet users are unaware of the existence of advanced AI-generated misinformation, such as those created by deepfake technology.

Statistic 31

The use of bots on social media platforms accounts for roughly 20% of the volume of misinformation encountered online.

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Investigations show that conspiracy theories are frequently reinforced through repeated false claims, creating echo chambers.

Statistic 33

Approximately 25% of internet users have reported encountering viruses or malware embedded in fake news sites.

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The average person encounters between 6 to 10 pieces of false or misleading content daily, especially on social media platforms.

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Fake news stories that involve emotional appeals are 20% more likely to be shared than neutral content.

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Fact-checking websites have seen a 250% increase in traffic during major elections or health crises.

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The term "post-truth" was Oxford Dictionary’s Word of the Year in 2016, emphasizing the rise of misinformation and lies.

Statistic 38

A study showed that misinformation about elections is most commonly disseminated through closed groups and private messaging apps.

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Approximately 33% of Americans have shared a false news story knowingly, while the rest do so unknowingly.

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A 2017 analysis showed that false news stories on Facebook are more emotionally charged and more engaging than factual news.

Statistic 41

The "Misinformation Age" has spurred the creation of numerous apps and browser extensions designed to identify or block false content.

Statistic 42

The average length of fake news stories is typically shorter than that of verified news, emphasizing their sensational nature.

Statistic 43

Efforts to combat misinformation include algorithmic adjustments by social media platforms and increased media literacy initiatives.

Statistic 44

The presence of misinformation has increased significantly during election seasons, with surges in false claims about candidates and results.

Statistic 45

On average, false information on Twitter gets about 70% more engagement than factual information.

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Fake news articles are believed to generate significantly more revenue for publishers through ad impressions than legitimate news stories.

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In a survey, 65% of Americans admitted they find it difficult to spot misinformation online.

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Research shows that people are more likely to believe misinformation that confirms their existing beliefs, a phenomenon known as confirmation bias.

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The term "gaslighting" originates from the 1938 play "Gas Light," where a husband manipulates his wife into questioning her reality, often using lies.

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Educational efforts about media literacy can reduce susceptibility to misinformation by approximately 20-30%.

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The "boomerang effect" in misinformation occurs when attempts to correct falsehoods actually reinforce belief in the misinformation.

Statistic 52

Alertness to misinformation has increased among the public, with 60% of people claiming to be more skeptical of online content in 2023 compared to previous years.

Statistic 53

The majority of misinformation is spread unintentionally by users who believe false information is true, highlighting the importance of media literacy.

Statistic 54

The concept of "Lie Bias" suggests that people naturally prefer believing narratives that support their worldview, even when false.

Statistic 55

User skepticism towards online sources has increased, with 65% of users now checking multiple sources before believing a piece of news.

Statistic 56

The phrase "Lies, Damn Lies, and Statistics" was popularized in the United States in the late 19th century, with notable attribution to Mark Twain or Benjamin Disraeli, though its exact origin remains uncertain.

Statistic 57

A 2016 study found that 70% of adults believe that politicians often use "lies" and "half-truths" in their campaigns.

Statistic 58

A survey reported that 59% of Americans believe that social media companies do too little to combat misinformation.

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The "illusory truth effect" suggests that repeated exposure to false information can increase its perceived accuracy, with studies showing up to 60% of people believe repeated misinformation after some time.

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The "embedded lie" refers to a falsehood that becomes accepted as truth because it is repeated often enough in media and culture.

Statistic 61

The phrase "Lies, Damn Lies, and Statistics" has appeared in print since at least 1895.

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A 2022 study found that early exposure to misinformation can have long-lasting effects on individuals' trust in media.

Statistic 63

Educational campaigns that promote critical thinking and media literacy can decrease belief in misinformation among adults by up to 25%.

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According to a 2020 Gallup poll, trust in traditional news media has declined to below 50%.

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A 2023 survey found that 65% of respondents believe that "most news is not trustworthy," reflecting widespread skepticism about media outlets.

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The phenomenon of "lying for personal gain" accounts for a significant portion of misinformation, especially in contexts of financial or political advantage.

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Many managers believe that fake news and misinformation in the workplace can harm organizational reputation and employee morale.

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The "Truth Decay" phenomenon describes the decline of factual accuracy and public trust in information over recent years.

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Key Highlights

The phrase "Lies, Damn Lies, and Statistics" was popularized in the United States in the late 19th century, with notable attribution to Mark Twain or Benjamin Disraeli, though its exact origin remains uncertain.
A 2016 study found that 70% of adults believe that politicians often use "lies" and "half-truths" in their campaigns.
In a survey, 65% of Americans admitted they find it difficult to spot misinformation online.
According to a 2018 study, false news stories are 70% more likely to be retweeted than true stories.
A 2019 report indicated that fake news spreads six times faster than real news on social media platforms.
Research shows that people are more likely to believe misinformation that confirms their existing beliefs, a phenomenon known as confirmation bias.
A study found that 80% of teenagers have at least encountered fake news online.
Political misinformation accounts for about 50% of total false news shared online.
The term "gaslighting" originates from the 1938 play "Gas Light," where a husband manipulates his wife into questioning her reality, often using lies.
A survey reported that 59% of Americans believe that social media companies do too little to combat misinformation.
According to research, people who frequently share political content are 40% more likely to share unverified or false information.
Studies indicate that headlines with sensational words or emotional appeals are more likely to be believed and shared, contributing to the spread of misinformation.
The "illusory truth effect" suggests that repeated exposure to false information can increase its perceived accuracy, with studies showing up to 60% of people believe repeated misinformation after some time.

Lies, damn lies, and statistics: as recent studies reveal, the proliferation and persuasive power of misinformation are more pervasive and convincing than ever, fueling skepticism and shaping public opinion in ways both subtle and profound.

Impact of Misinformation on Society

In 2021, the World Health Organization identified misinformation as a major obstacle to managing the COVID-19 pandemic.
Research shows that headlines containing numbers tend to attract more clicks, which can contribute to misleading or exaggerated claims.
A study found that misinformation is particularly effective when it aligns with cultural or societal values.
Misinformation can lead to real-world harm, including violence, as seen in cases where false rumors incited riots or violence.
Misinformation spread during crises, such as natural disasters, can impair emergency response efforts and increase public confusion.
Misinformation is known to influence public opinion significantly, with 55% of people reporting that fake news has altered their perception on key issues.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, misinformation led to some individuals refusing vaccination, potentially causing hundreds of preventable deaths.
Studies estimate that misinformation costs the global economy billions annually in health, safety, and productivity losses.

Impact of Misinformation on Society Interpretation

Despite its seductive allure, misinformation—particularly during crises—undermines public health, fuels violence, distorts perceptions, and drains billions, proving that when headlines spin falsehoods, society pays the price in both trust and tangible harm.

Misinformation in Health and Digital Media

In particular, misinformation related to health and vaccines has led to measurable declines in vaccination rates in various countries.
Fact-checking organizations have verified over 300,000 false claims related to COVID-19 alone during the pandemic period.
In 2022, TikTok was identified as a major source of health misinformation among young audiences.
A review of misinformation during health crises revealed that misinformation spread via social media reduces compliance with health directives by up to 15%.

Misinformation in Health and Digital Media Interpretation

Lies, amplified through social media's echo chambers, have not only eroded trust in vaccines—leading to tangible declines in immunization rates—but have also proven to be a stubborn obstacle, with fact-checkers debunking over 300,000 COVID-19 falsehoods and TikTok emerging as a particularly potent culprit among youth, ultimately undermining public health efforts during crises.

Prevalence and Spread of Fake News

According to a 2018 study, false news stories are 70% more likely to be retweeted than true stories.
A 2019 report indicated that fake news spreads six times faster than real news on social media platforms.
A study found that 80% of teenagers have at least encountered fake news online.
Political misinformation accounts for about 50% of total false news shared online.
According to research, people who frequently share political content are 40% more likely to share unverified or false information.
Studies indicate that headlines with sensational words or emotional appeals are more likely to be believed and shared, contributing to the spread of misinformation.
A 2020 survey indicated that 72% of adults get news from social media, where lies and misinformation are prevalent.
Nearly 90% of misinformation shared on Facebook is spread via a small group of highly active users.
Misleading statistics, also called "statistical lies," can often be identified through inconsistencies or the cherry-picking of data.
The use of "statistical manipulation" accounts for an estimated 30% of flawed research in scientific publications.
During elections, false claims or "fake news" stories are often coordinated to influence voter behavior.
According to research, 54% of consumers said they would intentionally spread false information if they stood to benefit financially.
The use of deepfake technology has increased by over 1000% since 2018, enhancing the potential for lies and misinformation.
The "fake news" industry is estimated to generate billions of dollars annually through clickbait, advertising, and political consulting.
The use of fact-checking labels on social media posts reduces the sharing of false information by approximately 50%.
Misleading or false information about climate change remains prevalent, with over 45% of climate-related news being rated as misleading by fact-checkers.
Training programs aimed at journalists and media professionals can reduce the spread of misinformation within news outlets.
Approximately 80% of internet users are unaware of the existence of advanced AI-generated misinformation, such as those created by deepfake technology.
The use of bots on social media platforms accounts for roughly 20% of the volume of misinformation encountered online.
Investigations show that conspiracy theories are frequently reinforced through repeated false claims, creating echo chambers.
Approximately 25% of internet users have reported encountering viruses or malware embedded in fake news sites.
The average person encounters between 6 to 10 pieces of false or misleading content daily, especially on social media platforms.
Fake news stories that involve emotional appeals are 20% more likely to be shared than neutral content.
Fact-checking websites have seen a 250% increase in traffic during major elections or health crises.
The term "post-truth" was Oxford Dictionary’s Word of the Year in 2016, emphasizing the rise of misinformation and lies.
A study showed that misinformation about elections is most commonly disseminated through closed groups and private messaging apps.
Approximately 33% of Americans have shared a false news story knowingly, while the rest do so unknowingly.
A 2017 analysis showed that false news stories on Facebook are more emotionally charged and more engaging than factual news.
The "Misinformation Age" has spurred the creation of numerous apps and browser extensions designed to identify or block false content.
The average length of fake news stories is typically shorter than that of verified news, emphasizing their sensational nature.
Efforts to combat misinformation include algorithmic adjustments by social media platforms and increased media literacy initiatives.
The presence of misinformation has increased significantly during election seasons, with surges in false claims about candidates and results.
On average, false information on Twitter gets about 70% more engagement than factual information.
Fake news articles are believed to generate significantly more revenue for publishers through ad impressions than legitimate news stories.

Prevalence and Spread of Fake News Interpretation

Despite the heightened awareness and technological countermeasures, our digital landscape remains a fertile ground where fake news spreads six times faster than truth, sways millions with emotionally charged content, and turns a profit of billions—highlighting that in the age of misinformation, a little media literacy is the most powerful truth serum.

Psychological Aspects of Belief and Skepticism

In a survey, 65% of Americans admitted they find it difficult to spot misinformation online.
Research shows that people are more likely to believe misinformation that confirms their existing beliefs, a phenomenon known as confirmation bias.
The term "gaslighting" originates from the 1938 play "Gas Light," where a husband manipulates his wife into questioning her reality, often using lies.
Educational efforts about media literacy can reduce susceptibility to misinformation by approximately 20-30%.
The "boomerang effect" in misinformation occurs when attempts to correct falsehoods actually reinforce belief in the misinformation.
Alertness to misinformation has increased among the public, with 60% of people claiming to be more skeptical of online content in 2023 compared to previous years.
The majority of misinformation is spread unintentionally by users who believe false information is true, highlighting the importance of media literacy.
The concept of "Lie Bias" suggests that people naturally prefer believing narratives that support their worldview, even when false.
User skepticism towards online sources has increased, with 65% of users now checking multiple sources before believing a piece of news.

Psychological Aspects of Belief and Skepticism Interpretation

Despite heightened skepticism and media literacy efforts, a staggering 65% of Americans struggle to identify misinformation online, revealing that our innate "Lie Bias" and confirmation tendencies often blind us to the very truth-seeking we claim to value.

Public Trust and Belief in Misinformation

The phrase "Lies, Damn Lies, and Statistics" was popularized in the United States in the late 19th century, with notable attribution to Mark Twain or Benjamin Disraeli, though its exact origin remains uncertain.
A 2016 study found that 70% of adults believe that politicians often use "lies" and "half-truths" in their campaigns.
A survey reported that 59% of Americans believe that social media companies do too little to combat misinformation.
The "illusory truth effect" suggests that repeated exposure to false information can increase its perceived accuracy, with studies showing up to 60% of people believe repeated misinformation after some time.
The "embedded lie" refers to a falsehood that becomes accepted as truth because it is repeated often enough in media and culture.
The phrase "Lies, Damn Lies, and Statistics" has appeared in print since at least 1895.
A 2022 study found that early exposure to misinformation can have long-lasting effects on individuals' trust in media.
Educational campaigns that promote critical thinking and media literacy can decrease belief in misinformation among adults by up to 25%.
According to a 2020 Gallup poll, trust in traditional news media has declined to below 50%.
A 2023 survey found that 65% of respondents believe that "most news is not trustworthy," reflecting widespread skepticism about media outlets.
The phenomenon of "lying for personal gain" accounts for a significant portion of misinformation, especially in contexts of financial or political advantage.
Many managers believe that fake news and misinformation in the workplace can harm organizational reputation and employee morale.
The "Truth Decay" phenomenon describes the decline of factual accuracy and public trust in information over recent years.

Public Trust and Belief in Misinformation Interpretation

As the era of "Lies, Damn Lies, and Statistics" persists, it seems we increasingly fracture truth into avatars of repeated falsehoods, with 70% of adults doubting politicians' honesty and nearly two-thirds skeptical of media trustworthiness, reminding us that in a landscape rife with embedded lies and the illusory truth effect, critical thinking remains our most vital shield against the erosion of factual integrity.