On Monday, 11th May NESC’s Colette Bennett responded to research conducted by Dr Eileen Culloty and Dr Shane Murphy of EDMO Ireland on the impact of disinformation on Irish community and voluntary sector organisations at the Media Information Ireland – EDMO Disinformation Forum 2026.

Speaking of the risks of mis- and disinformation, Colette outlined its potential to damage trust in society and institutions, undermine democratic legitimacy, and fracture social cohesion. Colette also referred to media literacy as a critical skill that requires a responsive, life course approach. It should, however, be part of an overall literacy framework that addresses deficits in foundational literacy needs.

One in five adults in Ireland have a basic literacy need, one in four have a basic numeracy need, and 27% have no basic digital skills. The confidence and critical skills required for media literacy presuppose that these foundations are in place. Protecting against the damage to social cohesion caused by disinformation means supporting the development of foundational literacy skills across the life course.

To find out more about the work NESC has already done in the area of social cohesion, including a new research paper on European case studies written by Colette & former NESC intern Carla O’Brien and published this week, please visit our Publications page here.