An eye-tracking study on monolingual and bilingual proficiency in navigating online disinformation

Purpose This study aims to explore the reading behaviour of bilingual and monolingual participants (i.e. eye fixation, saccade movements, dwell/visit duration and regression) and their level of information discernment. This seeks to determine whether bilingual individuals are more adept at discerning between accurate and false online information than monolinguals. Design/methodology/approach Eye-tracking technology was used as a proxy to measure gaze behaviour and attentional mechanisms of two groups (N = 12 bilinguals, N = 12 monolinguals) evaluating the credibility of information sources (fake news, fact and misinformation) presented in the form of X (Twitter) posts. Participants’ level of information discernment was determined using a quantitative questionnaire. Findings The results show there are statistically significant differences between the two sample groups. The bilinguals were able to evaluate text quicker by almost 3 min, with 20% less fixation and higher concentration compared to monolinguals, while also reaching the same conclusions regarding the information reliability marking. Social implications Findings have significant implications for information and media literacy, education and the workplace by providing deeper understanding of comprehension and how bilingualism may act as a form of extended training in aspects of executive control. Findings also support research covering fake news detection and artificial intelligence system and contribute to the ongoing discussion about online content regulation. Originality/value Value gained via the analysis of causes and effects of bilingualism and the relationship between a person's self-reported level of information literacy (information discernment specifically) and objective and improved cognitive measures of reading behaviour.