A student worries about misinformation online

Alina is studying hotel management, while also working in a bookshop in the center of Kyiv.

"It’s hard to imagine a life without the Internet. In the past, I would have gone to the library. Now, I use Google. I use the Internet to learn English and Spanish. I use it a lot for my studies. I even use Wikipedia – although I know that not all the information on there is accurate. Generally, I find that there are so many different sources online and also a lot of incorrect information that is difficult to verify.

When it comes to social networks, Facebook and Instagram are the two most important ones for me. If I want to inform myself, I log onto Facebook where I find more serious information, and users are on average older than on Instagram. But Instagram is important for me, too. I use it to watch short videos on topics that I find interesting and to keep in touch with friends.

There is just too much advertising on the Internet. But if you think about it – people have to make a living off the content that I find so useful."

The #speakup barometer is a DW Akademie project that examines the connection between digital participation, freedom of expression and access to information. Learn more at www.dw.com/barometer