An Eye-Tracking Study on Monolingual and Bilingual Proficiency in Navigating Online Disinformation

Sobotkova, Zaneta, Pointon, Matthew and Walton, Geoff (2025) An Eye-Tracking Study on Monolingual and Bilingual Proficiency in Navigating Online Disinformation. Journal of Documentation. ISSN 1758-7379

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Abstract

Purpose (limit 100 words) To explore 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 (limit 100 words) 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 a form of X (Twitter) posts. Participants’ level of information discernment was determined using a quantitative questionnaire. Findings (limit 100 words) The results show there are statistically significant differences between the two sample groups. The bilinguals were able to evaluate text quicker by almost 3 minutes, with 20% less fixation and higher concentration compared to monolingual, whilst also reaching the same conclusions regarding the information reliability marking. Originality/value (limit 100 words) Value gained via the analysis of causes and effects of bilingualism and relationship between a persons’ self-reported level of information literacy (information discernment specifically) and objective and improved cognitive measures of reading behaviour. Social implications (limit 100 words) 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 AI system and contribute to the ongoing discussion about online content regulation.