Fake News in Iran: A Mixed Method Study

Fake News in Iran: A Mixed Method StudyWith the rise and spread of social media, the issue of fake news has increasingly garnered the attention of policymakers, journalists, and even the general public. Iran's unique situation and complex structure make the issue of fake news particularly significant. This research employed a sequential mixed method approach. First, a survey was conducted with 137 journalists and social media activists, who responded to questions regarding their perspectives on the proliferation of fake news in Iran and globally, and the potential roles of governments and decision-making bodies in combating fake news. After analyzing these responses, interviews were designed in which 48 media experts answered both closed and open-ended questions. Finally, by comparing the results from both phases of the research, certain findings and recommendations were formulated and presented.