Social media groups spread misinformation in UK 'news deserts' lacking local journalism, investigation finds
By
Michael Savage
Toasted golden, schmeared with insight. Top of the rack.
Summary
An investigation by the Guardian reveals that local social media groups on Facebook and X are fueling misinformation, particularly in UK 'news deserts' where over 4.4 million people lack access to reliable local journalism. The study found misinformation was nearly three times more common in areas with little or no recognized local reporting. Immigration and Islamophobia were the most common topics of fake news, with spikes in misinformation detected around local elections.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledMisinformation was nearly three times more common in areas with little or no recognised local journalism
Immigration and Islamophobia were the most common topics of misinformation across Facebook and X
Spikes in misinformation were identified around local elections
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