Excessive social media use increases fake news engagement

A new study links excessive social media use, marked by distress and impairment, to a higher likelihood of believing and interacting with fake news. This suggests a concerning connection between digital habits and susceptibility to misinformation. Researchers found that individuals exhibiting problematic social media use were more likely to engage with false news stories, including clicking, liking, commenting, and sharing them. The study assessed participants' credibility judgments and intentions regarding news posts. The findings, from Michigan State University, highlight the potential for mental health professionals and social media platforms to address the spread of misinformation. The study also suggests that problematic social media use shares similarities with addictive behaviors.