Our life amid fake news: Self-perceived vulnerability to misinformation.

This article examines factors influencing vulnerability to disinformation within the complex global information landscape, focusing on a qualitative study of 50 Spanish participants across diverse demographics and political ideologies using an innovative digital methodology called Sensors Community. The research identifies a pervasive cultural paradigm of "hypersubjectivism," where individuals prioritize information aligning with their subjective interests and beliefs, contributing to selective acceptance or rejection of news regardless of ideological stance. Key factors affecting perceived credibility include the source and medium of information—with traditional media generally trusted more than social networks—and the topicality, immediacy, and saturation of information, which can increase susceptibility to misinformation. The study highlights generational differences, noting that adolescents rely heavily on social media yet assign greater credibility to traditional media, while adults show varied media preferences influenced by life cycle and political orientation. Overall, the findings underscore the complex interplay of social, cognitive, and technological factors shaping public responses to disinformation in Spain.