Online news source selection, acceptance, and sharing behavior: A study on demographic effects and political spectrum
Author Identifier
Cheuk Hang Au: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2121-8573
Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Title
IT Professional
Volume
27
Issue
3
First Page
87
Last Page
94
Publisher
IEEE
School
School of Business and Law
Abstract
In response to the proliferation of fake news, the ability to examine online news validity has become increasingly important. Using a survey, we study Hongkongers’ news source selection habits, how they judge news’s trustworthiness/validity, and their responses to perceived fake news. Our results indicate that education and age significantly impact fake news identification practices and online news sources. Also, people’s political beliefs influence their ability to distinguish between true and fake news and their willingness to share. Notably, in most situations, progovernment people and centralists have a similar level of willingness to share true and fake news related to politics and health. Surprisingly, prodemocracy people are only willing to share antiestablishment news that they perceive to be true, but not other kinds of news, including health-related news that they perceive to be true.
DOI
10.1109/MITP.2025.3548511
Access Rights
subscription content
Comments
To, C., Chiu, D. K., Au, C. H., & Ho, K. K. (2025). Online news source selection, acceptance, and sharing behavior: A study on demographic effects and political spectrum. IT Professional, 27(3), 87-94. https://doi.org/10.1109/MITP.2025.3548511