Limitations of Fact-checking on Debunking Covid-19 Misinformation on Facebook: Case of Faktograf.hr

Abstract

This study explores the role of fact-checking organisations in debunking the disinformation about COVID-19, based on the case of the Croatian fact-checking organisation Faktograf.hr. By using computational methods and content analysis, we analysed 212 debunked fact-checks relating to Covid-19 (N=212) published between July 1, 2020, and the March 31, 2021. The sample was used to compare the debunked and disinformation versions of the same story, regarding their impact on users in the form of engagement (likes, comments, shares) as measure of efficiency of fact-checking. The main findings show that the practice of publishing fact-checks on websites and using social media to promote debunked content is insufficient.