What can be a consequence of the growth of unreliable information sources?

The consequence of the growth of unreliable information sources is increased confusion among users. As the volume of information proliferates, it often becomes challenging for individuals to discern which sources are accurate and credible. This uncertainty can lead to misunderstanding complex issues, misinformation, and even the spread of false narratives. Users may find themselves overwhelmed by conflicting information, making it difficult to form well-informed opinions or make decisions based on hard facts.

In contrast, while critical thinking skills (as indicated in option A) and digital literacy (option C) may be fostered in some contexts, they are not direct outcomes of unreliable information; rather, they are skills that can help mitigate the effects of unreliable sources. Access to quality materials (option D) is also not directly tied to the proliferation of unreliable sources; in fact, the opposite tends to occur, as users may struggle to find trustworthy information amidst the noise created by unreliable sources. Thus, the correct choice highlights the significant challenge that users face when navigating a landscape filled with misleading or false information.