Real or Fake News: Who Knows?

Abstract

After it became one of the most discussed issues during the 2016 U.S. presidential election, this study analyses how often college students are able to tell real from fake news, by applying concepts of news credibility research, using real and fake news stories previously published online.  The study looks into respondents’ research and news consumption behavior, as well as comparing results to respondents’ personal characteristics.  Results show that the amount of information provided matters, while most personal traits do not, and although most are aware of fake news, they do not act as they should.