Journalists' Reflections on Fake News: Insights from Qualitative Interviews

Abstract

Although fake news is not new, its prominence has surged with the widespread adoption of technology, the intensification of diplomatic crises, and escalating conflicts between states. Given the significant negative impact of fake news on individuals and society, it is essential to understand the strategies professional journalists utilize to identify and counteract it. This research examines journalists’ perspectives on recognizing and detecting fake news online. Based on qualitative interviews with journalists from leading Italian media outlets, the study highlights the distinguishing characteristics of fake news and key detection strategies that form the foundation of contemporary media literacy.