Adolescents’ experiences and (re)action towards fake news on social media: perspectives from Norway

The majority of adolescents encounter unverifiable news as they navigate social media in their daily lives. A survey in Norway where this study is situated found that two out of three teenagers had come across content that they suspected to be fake, and that the teens considered themselves highly competent in distinguishing between credible and fake news. This study draws on teens’ narratives and perspectives as articulated through focus groups and interviews to explore their experiences as well as awareness of how to deal with fake news when they encounter on social media. The study reveals awareness of diffusion of fake news and knowledge of tactics that are important for evaluating online. Specifically, participants regard ignoring; multiple news verification tactics and using social media delete, block, flag and report functions as important for managing fake news. The paper argues that ignoring can be an effective tactic for reducing the diffusion of fake news on social media and should be adopted and incorporated in news media literacy programs. Otherwise, it can lead to disengagement from and passivity towards news.