Fake News Cues: Examining the Impact of Content, Source, and Typology of News Cues on People’s Confidence in Identifying Mis- and Disinformation

Authors

  • Amber Hinsley Texas State University
  • Avery Holton University of Utah

Keywords:

confidence, credibility, disinformation, misinformation, fake news, news cues

Abstract

Using a survey of U.S. adults, this research examines the content, source, and typology cues that people rely on when assessing misinformation in the news, frequently referred to as fake news, and how those factors impact the confidence they have in their ability to identify fake news. Participants’ confidence in recognizing fake news was significantly affected by their patterns of looking at news cues, such as a story’s URL and author, as well as by their engaging in their own research and seeking out news that confirms what they already believe. These findings signal a need for increased, continuous news literacy education designed to empower the public to push back against the seedy allure of fake news and other forms of misinformation that pose as legitimate, objective news.

Author Biographies

Amber Hinsley, Texas State University

Assistant Professor

Avery Holton, University of Utah

Associate Professor

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Published

2021-11-29

Issue

Vol. 15 (2021)

Section

Articles

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