Echo Chamber Effect of Fake Political News in Spreading Misinformation: A Study of Facebook Users in Pakistan with Moderating Role of Media Literacy

Abstract

The study investigates the relationship between political fake news and echo chambers on Facebook users with the moderating role of media literacy. It examines the prevalence and impact of political fake news on the reinforcement of existing beliefs and the spread of misinformation online. It analyzes engagement patterns of users with fake political content to examine how they reinforce echo chambers and contribute to the dissemination of fake news. It also investigates different levels of media literacy as a moderator in the acceptance or rejection of fake news. The study utilizes a survey method across capital cities of all provinces of Pakistan to examine the engagement behavior of Facebook users with fake political content. Findings suggest that fake news is significantly prevalent within echo chambers that reinforce existing beliefs and contribute to the spread of misinformation. The results indicate that a low level of media literacy is more vulnerable to engaging with fake news content as compared to a high level of media literacy.