Amplifying Deception: How Elite Cues Strengthen the Impact of Fake News on Conspiracy Beliefs

• In Event: Media Dynamics and the Shaping of Public Perception

Brief Overview

This study uses a national survey to show how elite cues amplify the impact of fake news on belief in conspiracy theories. When elites echo false information, people are more likely to believe it, making fake news more dangerous for democracy.

Authors

• Jason Gainous, University of Sharjah

• Wafa Al-Ali, University of Sharjah

• Stephen C Craig, University of Florida