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Social Media, Democracy and Fake News in Pakistan: An Analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Haseeb Ur Rehman

    (Assistant Professor, Department of Arts and Media, Foundation University, Islamabad, Pakistan)

  • Shabir Hussain

    (Associate Professor, Department of Arts & Media, Behria University, Islamabad, Pakistan.)

  • Durreshehwar

    (Assistant Professor, Department of Arts & Media, Foundation University, Islamabad, Pakistan.)

Abstract

In this study, the researchers examined the prevalence of fake news in the social media debates on Pakistani politics and society. The content analysis showed that both Twitter and Facebook carried a sizeable number of fake news relating to the politics and international affairs, military, economy and religion. Though more fake news was posted relating to politics and politicians, fake news stories relating to international relations got more likes and share as compared to other topics. Interestingly, even though the fake news was busted as fake and not genuine, these continued getting attention of people. This indicates the influence of cult following and populism on the Pakistani social media users. The findings of this study support the available scholarship on the prevalence of fake news, its popularity and spread in the Western world.

Suggested Citation

  • Haseeb Ur Rehman & Shabir Hussain & Durreshehwar, 2020. "Social Media, Democracy and Fake News in Pakistan: An Analysis," Global Political Review, Humanity Only, vol. 5(1), pages 84-93, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:aaw:gprjrn:v:5:y:2020:i:1:p:84-93
    DOI: 10.31703/gpr.2020(V-I).10
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hunt Allcott & Matthew Gentzkow, 2017. "Social Media and Fake News in the 2016 Election," NBER Working Papers 23089, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    2. Hunt Allcott & Matthew Gentzkow, 2017. "Social Media and Fake News in the 2016 Election," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 31(2), pages 211-236, Spring.
    3. Phil Williamson, 2016. "Take the time and effort to correct misinformation," Nature, Nature, vol. 540(7632), pages 171-171, December.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Fake News; Pakistan; Politics and Democracy; Cult and Populism; Algorithm.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • R00 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General - - - General
    • Z0 - Other Special Topics - - General

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