FAKE NEWS IN THE ERA OF DIGITAL MEDIA: WHAT FACTORS AFFECT USER INTERACTIONS WITH FAKE NEWS TARGETING NATIONAL SECURITY?

The current research proposes a conceptual model of the factors affecting the sharing of fake news targeting national security. In particular, this study aims to investigate the role of trust in the sharing of news sources. It also explores the role of a conspiracy mentality as well as exposure to social media and demographics variables (i.e., age, gender, educational level) in accepting and sharing fake news affecting national security. In order to fulfill its aims, the current research used a sequential mixed-method design, enabling the integration of quantitative and qualitative data during collection and analysis. For the quantitative phase, a survey was administered to 1,048 voluntary participants from Saudi Arabia. The qualitative phase involved two stages of interviews with a sub-sample of 40 Saudis who use social media. The current research obtained remarkable results regarding the role of essential variables in accepting and sharing fake news impacting national security.