2026 Disinformation in Society Report

This report presents the findings of the sixth annual disinformation study conducted by the Institute for Public Relations and Leger, surveying over 2,000 Americans to assess perceptions of disinformation in the U.S. The study, carried out between February 25 and March 13, 2026, reveals that 71% of respondents view disinformation as a major societal problem, ranking it alongside issues like the economy and homelessness. The report outlines the significant role of social media platforms, particularly Facebook, TikTok, and X, in the dissemination of disinformation, while also highlighting a decline in trust towards traditional media sources. The findings indicate that disinformation is perceived as a driver of political polarization and a threat to human rights, with many Americans expressing anxiety related to encountering misleading information. The report emphasizes the need for collective responsibility among various stakeholders, including companies, government, and media, to combat disinformation effectively.