Navigating the fake news landscape: Insights from a mixed-methods study in Brașov, Romania
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15633/sce.01302Keywords:
fake news, misinformation, information flow, media literacy, fact-checkingAbstract
The present study examines public perceptions and understanding of the fake news phenomenon and its impact on society. Our research used a mixed-methods approach: a survey of respondents (n = 155) in the Brașov region of Romania was complemented by interviews with subject-matter experts. The questionnaire results reveal respondents’ trust in various information sources and their ability to identify fake news. Key findings indicate that social media and television are perceived as the primary channels for the dissemination of misinformation, with political actors and journalists identified as the main actors responsible. The interviews provide a deeper understanding of the nature of fake news, the motivations behind its creation and propagation, and effective techniques for recognition and mitigation. Experts emphasize the need for public education, fact-checking mechanisms, and a collaborative approach involving individuals, institutions, and the government. The study contributes to understanding fake news and offers practical recommendations for policymakers, media professionals, and the public on navigating the digital information landscape and maintaining the integrity of public discourse.
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