Causes and Consequences of Mainstream Media Dissemination of Fake News: Literature Review and Synthesis.

Author(s)
Yariv Tsfati, Hajo Boomgaarden, Jesper Strömbäck, Rens Vliegenthart, Alyt Damstra, Elina Lindgren
Abstract

Research indicates that the reach of fake news websites is limited to small parts of the population. On the other hand, data demonstrate that large proportions of the public know about notable fake news stories and believe them. These findings imply the possibility that most people hear about fake news stories not from fake news websites but through their coverage in mainstream news outlets. Thus far, only limited attention has been directed to the role of mainstream media in the dissemination of disinformation. To remedy this, this article synthesizes the literature pertaining to understand the role mainstream media play in the dissemination of fake news, the reasons for such coverage and its influences on the audience.

Organisation(s)
Department of Communication
External organisation(s)
University of Amsterdam (UvA), University of Gothenburg, University of Haifa
Journal
Annals of the International Communication Association
Volume
44
Pages
157-173
No. of pages
17
ISSN
2380-8985
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1080/23808985.2020.1759443
Publication date
2020
Peer reviewed
Yes
Austrian Fields of Science 2012
508009 Media research
Keywords
ASJC Scopus subject areas
Communication
Portal url
https://ucrisportal.univie.ac.at/en/publications/causes-and-consequences-of-mainstream-media-dissemination-of-fake-news-literature-review-and-synthesis(bb7c64d2-8e41-4603-b336-4d8978724c0d).html