The pursuit of online misinformation literacy: Understanding age-varying competence for misinformation recognition

• Conflicting results exist on age groups’ ability to recognize misinformation. • Age group related confidence and endeavor affect the recognition of misinformation. • 9,060 data shows younger adults are more confident and endeavor in recognition. • Smart device skills and critical media attitudes are critical in all age groups. • Findings offer insights on age-specific challenges in misinformation literacy. Addressing online misinformation has become increasingly critical due to the widespread use of the Internet and social media. However, studies show conflicting results regarding competencies in recognizing misinformation across different age groups; thus, initiatives for misinformation literacy have not been as effective as anticipated. To reconcile this conflict and provide a strategy for supporting misinformation literacy, this study aims to explore how perceived competence in recognizing misinformation—comprising confidence and endeavor —varies among age groups and what factors influence this competence. Using data from a media panel survey in South Korea involving 9,060 participants, we found that younger adults exhibit higher confidence and endeavors in recognizing misinformation compared to older adults. Additionally, factors such as smart device usage capability and critical attitudes toward media content significantly influence misinformation recognition across all age groups, with varying impacts. Notably, social media use has contrasting effects as it decreases younger adults’ confidence and endeavors in misinformation recognition but enhances older adults’ confidence. Our findings provide key insights into the age-specific challenges and factors shaping misinformation literacy, emphasizing the importance of tailored educational programs that consider the diverse needs and behaviors of various age groups. These insights can help enhance the effectiveness of misinformation literacy initiatives in the digital age.