Problematic Social Media Use Linked to Belief in and Spread of Fake News
In today’s hyper-connected world, social media has become an integral part of our lives. While most individuals engage with these platforms in a healthy manner, a growing number are developing problematic social media use (PSMU). While not yet officially classified as a clinical addiction, PSMU exhibits striking similarities to substance abuse disorders, impacting decision-making and behavior. A new study published in the journal PLoS ONE has uncovered a concerning connection between PSMU and the spread of misinformation online. The research suggests that individuals with PSMU are more likely to believe in and share fake news, contributing to the pervasive dissemination of false information that plagues the internet.
The study, conducted by researchers at Michigan State University, delves into the underlying mechanisms that link PSMU to the acceptance and propagation of misinformation. Dar Meshi, a co-author of the study and an expert in risky decision-making and impulsivity, explains that individuals struggling with substance dependency often exhibit impaired decision-making, hindering their ability to learn from negative consequences. This same pattern, he argues, can be observed in individuals with PSMU. They may experience withdrawal symptoms when separated from social media, or their excessive use may lead to detrimental outcomes such as job loss, declining academic performance, or mental health issues. Despite these negative consequences, they continue their problematic engagement with social media.
The connection between PSMU and misinformation emerged from a conversation between Meshi and his colleague Maria Molina, a researcher specializing in misinformation and disinformation. Meshi’s previous research had revealed that individuals with PSMU tended to be more impulsive and risk-taking than average. He hypothesized that this propensity for risk-taking might extend to their online behavior, making them more susceptible to engaging with and believing in fake news. This hunch stemmed from the observation that individuals with PSMU might possess a different risk evaluation framework compared to neurotypical individuals.
To investigate this link, Meshi and Molina designed a study to assess the relationship between PSMU and the propensity to believe fake news. The study, involving 189 college students, measured their social media habits through a comprehensive questionnaire. The researchers then analyzed the participants’ actions related to fake news, such as clicking on links, liking, sharing, and commenting on posts containing misinformation. The results revealed a significant correlation between PSMU and a higher likelihood of engaging with and propagating fake news. This suggests that individuals struggling with PSMU are more prone to falling prey to and spreading misinformation online.
The implications of this research are far-reaching, highlighting the role of PSMU in the proliferation of fake news. The study emphasizes the need for greater awareness and interventions to address PSMU, not only for the well-being of individuals but also for the health of online information ecosystems. By understanding the underlying mechanisms that connect PSMU to the spread of misinformation, researchers can develop targeted strategies to mitigate this issue. These interventions might include educational campaigns to promote media literacy, tools to help individuals identify fake news, and support systems for those struggling with PSMU.
The study’s findings also underscore the importance of distinguishing between misinformation and disinformation. Misinformation refers to false or inaccurate information that is unintentionally spread, while disinformation is intentionally disseminated with the explicit purpose of deceiving. While both contribute to the spread of false narratives, disinformation poses a greater threat due to its deliberate and malicious nature. Future research should explore the specific roles of PSMU in both the spread of misinformation and disinformation, further refining our understanding of this complex issue. By addressing the root causes of PSMU and promoting responsible social media usage, we can collectively combat the spread of fake news and foster a more informed and discerning online environment.