Media Literacy and Susceptibility to Fake News: an Analysis of Facebook Users in Jawzjan Province, Afghanistan
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69892/jawzjanan.2025.79Keywords:
Fake News, Facebook Users, Jawzjan Province, Media LiteracyAbstract
This study investigates the determinants of fake news susceptibility and media literacy among Facebook users in Jawzjan Province, Afghanistan, and employs a quantitative approach to analyze the results from the distribution and collection of 384 questionnaires. Utilizing relevant criteria, analyzed through SPSS software, and appropriate statistical tests. The research examines how demographic, psychological, and experiential factors shape users’ ability to detect fake news. According to the Results, Significant associations were found between detection skills and variables such as age, gender, education, occupation, and prior experience, while marital status showed no effect. Although most users demonstrate self-control with emotional content, lower media literacy persists among younger, less-educated, and self-employed groups. Notably, the filter bubble hypothesis was not supported by the data. The findings emphasize the need for targeted, context-sensitive educational interventions, especially online content and workshops, to strengthen critical thinking and digital resilience. The study recommends further community-driven research and practical programs to reduce vulnerability to misinformation in Afghanistan’s evolving digital landscape.
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