Usage of Social Media and Perception of Fake News Among University Students

Abstract

In the current world, where virtual space is considered as important as the real world, the representation of individuals on social media platforms has a significant role. Hence, the current study attempts to analyze the extent of social media usage among university students and their emotional, behavioral, and cognitive responses to fake news. 203 convenience-sampled university students were studied. The researcher employed a social media and false perception survey to acquire data. The study, which adopted a descriptive research design, was backed up with statistical analysis, including measures of central tendencies, percentage analysis, and content analysis. 34% of the population used social media for more than four hours, which exceeds the recommended screen time for children and adults, according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (2022). The sample utilized Instagram and WhatsApp the most. Study participants believed and spread good false news more. Negative social media material confused users and made them less inclined to share or transmit it. According to the research, fake news affects viewers' emotions, behavior, and cognition. The research sheds light on social media use and stresses the need for critical content analysis.