A new study conducted by researchers in the Netherlands has revealed that radical-right populists are significantly more likely to spread misinformation compared to other political groups.
No surprise there.
The study, which analyzed over 32 million tweets from 8,200 parliamentarians across 26 countries, found that the intersection of right-wing ideology and populism is the strongest predictor of misinformation spread.
Key findings of the study include:
- Radical-right populism, not populism or right-wing politics alone, is the primary driver of misinformation. These actors have created an “alternative media ecosystem” that reinforces their worldview and spreads falsehoods.
- Radical-right populists exploit the current media environment, which prioritizes engagement over accuracy, to disseminate their narratives.
Their strategy involves undermining trust in mainstream media, strengthening their base through fear and grievances, and distracting from policy scrutiny.
The researchers argue that misinformation and radical-right populism are “inextricable and synergistic,” functioning as two expressions of the same political phenomenon.

This symbiotic relationship contributes to the erosion of democratic institutions by delegitimizing elections, discrediting opponents, and destabilizing governance.
The study’s findings align with other research showing that populist attitudes and low trust in democratic institutions are associated with an increased likelihood of believing in political conspiracies. Additionally, those who believe in conspiracy theories are more likely to vote for far-right parties and less likely to engage in conventional forms of political participation.
Who is most susceptible to falling for the nonsense?
Young Adults
Contrary to popular belief, younger adults, particularly those from Generation Z and millennials, are more vulnerable to fake news and misinformation.
Social Media Users
People who primarily get their news from social media platforms are more susceptible to misinformation. Platforms like Snapchat, Truth Social, WhatsApp, TikTok, and Instagram have news audiences that are particularly vulnerable to false information.
Politically Conservative Individuals
Several studies have found that those with more conservative political leanings tend to be more susceptible to misinformation, especially regarding politicized issues like COVID-19 and election fraud.
One of the defining characteristics of this group is their strong inclination to embrace specific narratives. This tendency highlights their openness and willingness to accept ideas that resonate with them, making it crucial to present compelling stories that align with their beliefs.
People with Lower Education and Analytical Skills
Individuals with lower levels of education, analytical reasoning abilities, and numeracy skills are generally more vulnerable to misinformation. This aligns with the “deficit hypothesis,” which suggests that insufficient knowledge or literacy makes it harder to discriminate between true and false information.
Conclusion
These results highlight the urgent need to address the root causes of misinformation and its connection to radical-right populism to restore trust in democratic processes. The study provides valuable insights into the mechanisms by which radical-right populists fuel the spread of misinformation and undermine public trust in institutions.