Examining the Widespread Dissemination of Fake News on Facebook: Political Instability and Health Panic

Abstract

The spread of fake news on Facebook is a reality. This behavior is aimed at affecting reputation and generating distrust towards a certain person or on a specific topic. A bibliometric study of the scientific production in Scopus on Fake News on Facebook in the period 2013-2023 was carried out. The results showed that fake news is promoted in political issues to generate instability and in health issues to generate confusion and panic in the population. It was concluded that citizens must develop critical thinking to question the validity of news sources. Similarly, anonymity and misinformation are a natural part of society.