Examining the Impact of Fake News on Political Polarization: A Study of Facebook Users

Abstract

This research study investigates the impact of political fake news in echo chambers on Facebook, with a focus on how users engage with such content and the role of media literacy in moderating misinformation spread. The study surveyed a diverse group of Facebook users in Pakistan's capital cities. It found that political fake news is prevalent within echo chambers on Facebook, and users tend to engage more with content that aligns with their existing beliefs, contributing to misinformation. Users with lower media literacy were more susceptible to fake news engagement. However, the study also revealed that media literacy plays a moderating role in user engagement. Those with higher media literacy displayed better critical thinking skills and were less likely to engage with fake news. Other variables examined included political affiliation, selective exposure, digital media consumption, confirmation bias, and political polarization. Overall, the study underscores the importance of media literacy in countering political fake news and promoting responsible engagement on social media, providing valuable insights for building a more informed and responsible digital society.