Social media and fake news: impact on the informational perception of university students
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31637/epsir-2024-1841Keywords:
fake news, social media, disinformation, university students, media literacy, information consumption, information verification, information sourcesAbstract
Introduction: Social media is a key source of information for university students, but it also increases their exposure to fake news. This study analyzes how students access, evaluate, and spread information on these platforms, assessing the most used sources, trust in them, frequency of verification, and the influence of thematic interests on their perception of being informed. Methodology: A descriptive quantitative research was conducted with a sample of 140 university students, using online surveys. The data were analyzed with statistical tools to identify patterns in information consumption and exposure to misinformation. Results: 50.7% diversify their sources, while 17.1% use social media and print media. Only 20.7% regularly verify information, and 44.3% verify sources before sharing on social media. Science and entertainment are the most followed topics. Discussions: Although students are aware of information manipulation, their frequency of verification remains low, highlighting the need for more effective educational strategies. This reflects a cautious attitude, but not one that is completely distrustful. Conclusions: It is essential to promote media literacy strategies to foster critical thinking and responsible information consumption, mitigating the impact of fake news.
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