Effects of Social Media Fake News on Educated Females of Hazara University

Abstract

Social media and its applications are the most popular tools for information around the globe. Most people especially the female youth get information about different issues, incidents or events through social media, as it has replaced the traditional media. Social media refers to online platforms and websites that facilitate the creation, sharing, and exchange of information and ideas in virtual communities. However, there is no tool available to check whether the information is correct or false. Most of the females are exposed to fake news. Present study is based on survey technique to investigate and explore the effects of social media fake news on educated females of Hazara. Uses and Gratification theory is media effect theory which is very much relevant with this research. The data was collected through closed ended questionnaire from 200 female students of the Hazara University who use social media for information and education purpose. The collected data was analyzed by using SPSS statistical software. The empirical analysis of the data reveals that overall majority of the female respondents of Hazara University frequently use social media for information purpose. The exclusive analysis of the data also reveals that overall majority of the female use Facebook social media applications for information purpose. The empirical findings also reveal that overall majority of the female students have the opinion that Twitter spread more fake news as compared to any other social media application.