Due to social cohesion, people may be more willing to share news articles, including fake ones, which could lead to an increased spread of misinformation.

Sharing of Fake News and Their Increased Spread

When people understand that there is an influx of fake news within their online communities, the social cohesion of the group may be harmed. This can lead people to share fewer articles to avoid the dissemination of false information.

Sharing of Fake News and Decrease of Social Cohesion

While people may not necessarily be happy about the spread of fake news within their online communities, they may be less likely to react negatively due to social norms. For instance, because of the reciprocity norm, members may be aware of the importance of reciprocating when people send them news, even if they are fake.

Sharing of Fake News and Less Criticism due to Social Norms

- Decrease of social cohesion
- Lower criticism due to social norms
- Spread of fake news

Davidson College

When people share fake news within online communities, individuals may  experience negative outcomes, such as a decrease in social cohesion.

Sharing of Fake News and Online Communities

Duffy, A., Tandoc, E., & Ling, R. (2020). Too good to be true, too good not to share: the social utility of fake news. Information, Communication & Society, 23(13), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1080/1369118X.2019.1623904

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