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Study Reveals Widespread Sharing of False Political News on Social Media
More than four in ten people who share political news on social media admit they have passed on false or inaccurate information, according to a new study by Loughborough University’s Online Civic Culture Centre (OCCC). Even more concerning, almost one-fifth of these individuals (18.7 percent) confessed to doing so deliberately to upset others.
The comprehensive research, which surveyed 2,005 British adults, paints a troubling picture of online information habits. It found that 57.7 percent of British social media users reported seeing what they believed was political “fake news” in the past month, while 42.8 percent acknowledged sharing false news items themselves.
Professor Andrew Chadwick, director of the OCCC and lead author of the study, warned that the findings should “ring the alarm that cynicism has taken hold among a substantial minority of British social media users.”
Political affiliation appears to play a significant role in these behaviors. The research revealed that Conservative supporters and social media users with right-wing ideological beliefs were more likely to spread news they knew to be fake. In contrast, Labour supporters and left-wingers demonstrated a greater tendency to try to correct misinformation when encountered.
Demographic factors also influenced the likelihood of sharing false information. Men were found more prone to intentionally sharing fake news than women, while younger internet users and those with higher political engagement were also more frequent distributors of misinformation.
When participants were asked why they share political news on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and WhatsApp, 65.5 percent said they did so “to express my feelings” and an identical percentage indicated they wanted “to inform others.” Just over half (51.1 percent) cited finding out others’ opinions as their motivation.
Other motivations revealed more concerning intentions. While 43.9 percent aimed to influence others and 43.7 percent wanted to provoke discussion, nearly a third (29.6 percent) shared content simply to entertain, and 29.4 percent did so to demonstrate their political knowledge. The study found 24.2 percent shared content to please others, while the 18.7 percent who admitted to sharing false information specifically to upset others particularly alarmed researchers.
The report described this latter figure as “troubling,” noting that “if almost one-fifth of UK social media users who share news see upsetting others as a distinct priority, a mutually reinforcing relationship between social media and emotional antagonism may become embedded in online civic culture.”
Despite the widespread sharing of misinformation, the study revealed a significant gap in accountability. While approximately one-third (33.8 percent) of users reported being corrected by others for sharing false information, only 8.5 percent said they had personally called out another person for sharing completely fabricated news.
The researchers identified a broader pattern of “declining trust, cynicism and withdrawal” among British social media users. They warned that if current trends continue, users will be “less likely to encounter the kind of interactions that might make a difference to the quality of the news they share.”
This dynamic could establish a damaging cultural norm where “anything goes” when sharing news online, potentially making it increasingly difficult to establish even minimal conditions for distinguishing truth from falsehood—conditions essential for meaningful democratic discourse across political divides.
“In today’s media systems, large numbers of ordinary citizens circulate political information with great regularity,” Professor Chadwick noted. “Consequently, false and misleading information can become widely distributed – and quickly. Exploring why, and with what effects, people share news about politics on social media is therefore an essential part of the broader debate about the relationship between the internet and democracy.”
The research was conducted by Opinium Research between July 5-16, 2018.
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22 Comments
The finding that nearly half of social media users have shared fake news is deeply concerning. We must do more to promote critical thinking and fact-based information online.
This study highlights the urgent need for improved media literacy and fact-checking efforts. Social media platforms also have a responsibility to mitigate the spread of misinformation.
Agreed. A collaborative approach involving platforms, policymakers, and the public is essential to address this complex challenge effectively.
This study highlights the scale of the fake news problem, especially in the political sphere. Combating misinformation should be a priority for social media companies, policymakers, and individual users.
Intentionally sharing false information to upset others is a disturbing finding. Social media platforms need to do more to crack down on this malicious behavior.
I agree, the deliberate spread of misinformation is particularly troubling. Stronger content moderation and user accountability measures are needed.
While the prevalence of fake news sharing is concerning, I’m glad to see research being done on this important issue. Improving digital media literacy should be a key focus.
While the prevalence of fake news sharing is troubling, I’m encouraged to see research being done to understand and address this issue. Improving media literacy is key.
Absolutely. Empowering users to identify and verify information is crucial, alongside platform accountability and policy interventions.
The findings that over 40% of social media users have shared fake news is quite alarming. We need to be more vigilant about verifying information before spreading it online.
Absolutely. The ideological divide in who is more likely to share false information is also concerning. Reducing political polarization may help address this issue.
The study’s findings underscore the need for more robust fact-checking and media literacy efforts. Individuals and platforms alike have a responsibility to combat the spread of misinformation.
Absolutely. Educating the public on how to identify and verify information online is crucial. Platforms should also be held accountable for the content they amplify.
Interesting study on the prevalence of fake news sharing on social media. This is a concerning trend that erodes trust in information sources. Fact-checking and media literacy are critical to address this issue.
I agree, the spread of misinformation online is a serious problem that needs to be addressed. Improving digital literacy and holding platforms accountable could help curb the spread of fake news.
The ideological divide in fake news sharing is a concerning finding. Reducing political polarization and promoting objective, fact-based discourse should be priorities.
I agree. Addressing the root causes of partisan divides and encouraging critical thinking could go a long way in tackling the fake news problem.
This study highlights the urgent need for social media companies, policymakers, and the public to work together to combat the spread of misinformation online.
This is a worrying trend that threatens the integrity of our information ecosystem. Tackling fake news will require a multi-faceted approach involving media, policymakers, and the public.
While the scale of the problem is alarming, I’m glad to see research being done to better understand the dynamics of fake news sharing on social media. Fact-based solutions are needed.
The finding that right-wing users are more likely to spread misinformation is concerning but not surprising. Addressing political polarization should be part of the solution.
You raise a good point. Reducing partisan divides and encouraging critical thinking could help curb the spread of fake news across the political spectrum.