Fake News, Disinformation, and Misinformation in Social Media: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

This research paper provides a comprehensive review of the phenomenon of fake news, disinformation, and misinformation in the context of social media. With the rapid growth and widespread adoption of social media platforms, the dissemination of false or misleading information has become a significant concern affecting individuals, communities, and societies at large. This paper aims to analyse the various dimensions of fake news, disinformation, and misinformation, including their definitions, characteristics, and consequences.Through an extensive review of scholarly literature and empirical studies, the paper examines the origins and drivers of fake news, disinformation, and misinformation, highlighting the role of social media platforms, algorithmic biases, and human cognitive biases. Additionally, it explores the social, political, and economic motivations behind the creation and dissemination of such content, along with the potential impacts on public opinion, trust, and democratic processes. Furthermore, this review delves into the mechanisms and techniques employed in the production and distribution of fake news, disinformation, and misinformation in social media ecosystems. It explores the role of user-generated content, malicious actors, and automated bots in amplifying and disseminating false information. The paper also investigates the challenges associated with identifying and combating fake news, disinformation, and misinformation, including the limitations of fact-checking, platform moderation, and regulatory frameworks.

DOI - https://doi.org/10.65525/SVUP.9788196793241.2025.61-74