Unveiling the Truth: Fact-Checking and Fake News in Social Sciences

Why Fact-Checking Matters More Than Ever

This article explains** the evolution of fact-checking and fake news research within the social sciences between 2014 and 2022. The study by Santiago Tejedor, Luis M. Romero-Rodríguez, and Mónica Gracia-Villar systematically reviewed 200 academic articles indexed in Scopus to identify trends, challenges, and contributions in this rapidly expanding field.

What is it?

Fact-checking is the process of verifying claims after publication to combat disinformation. Unlike traditional journalism, it responds to content already circulating, targeting falsehoods spread especially through social media. Fake news refers to misleading or false content disguised as legitimate journalism, often causing democratic and social harm.

Why is it important?

The main findings indicate a sharp rise in academic interest post-2016, especially in response to global political and health crises. Most research emphasizes media literacy, detection models, and the influence of social networks. American and European universities dominate the field, suggesting a need for broader global participation.

How is it applied?

This systematic review employed a PRISMA-based methodology to analyze publications on fact-checking and fake news. It included metadata, author institutions, journal sources, methodologies, and theoretical contributions. Key tools included content analysis, ad hoc methods, case studies, and experimentation.

Key Insights from the Study

Research Growth and Geographical Focus

Publications on this topic increased significantly from 2018 onward. Most came from U.S. and U.K. universities, with Europe leading journal publication volume.

Dominant Themes and Keywords

Top keywords include fake news, misinformation, disinformation, social media, and media literacy. These reflect the interdisciplinary nature of current research.

Common Research Methods

Researchers used custom (ad hoc) tools most frequently, followed by content analysis, case studies, and experimental designs.

Academic and Practical Contributions

Studies contributed models for detecting misinformation, educational strategies, and policy recommendations. Several works also proposed media literacy interventions targeting both the public and journalists.

FAQs

Is fact-checking becoming more prominent in academic circles? Yes. There’s a growing number of publications, especially after 2016, addressing the challenges posed by misinformation.

What disciplines are involved in this research? Mostly communication and journalism, but increasingly interdisciplinary with AI, education, and political science.

What are the main research gaps? Lack of studies from developing regions, need for real-world prototype testing, and limited collaboration between academia and industry.

How does AI affect fake news? AI increases the speed and realism of misinformation. It also opens new avenues for detection and verification tools.

Conclusion

According to the research, fact-checking has become a critical tool in addressing misinformation across platforms. Social science research contributes theoretical frameworks, empirical models, and actionable strategies. To enhance effectiveness, future research should focus on interdisciplinary collaboration, technological integration, and global inclusivity.