Bibliometric Analysis of Fake News in India: Study

LIBRARY HERALD

Year : 2024, Volume : 62, Issue : 2

First page : ( 227) Last page : ( 241)

Print ISSN : 0024-2292. Online ISSN : 0976-2469.

Article DOI : 10.5958/0976-2469.2024.00018.8

Rekha Rani1, Pinki2

1 Research Scholar, Department of Library and Information Science, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana, India

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Library and Information Science, University of Delhi, India

Abstract 

Fake news has recently turned out to be a widespread problem in the present modern society, thereby affecting public opinion, shaping political discussions, and influencing individual decision-making. The exponential growth of the unregulated information across various platforms has prompted scholars to investigate its authenticity and reach. For this study, a comprehensive analysis has been conducted on the literature on fake news published up to May 16, 2024, using the SCOPUS database. The findings bring into lime light on the key trends, patterns, and shifts within the landscape of fake news research, offering valuable insights into this evolving field. The analysis revealed a significant surge in fake news publications over the past decade, with a extraordinary increase in research output observed after the COVID-19 pandemic. The chronological distribution of publications highlighted a peak in the year 2023, indicating a intensified interest and relevance in the subject area during that period and a preference for conference papers as the principal mode of dissemination is observed, reflecting the dynamic and collaborative nature of research in this domain. As technology continues to evolve and misinformation proliferates, fostering critical thinking skills and promoting media literacy becomes imperative in combating the spread of fake news. Moreover, the findings emphasize the need for collaborative efforts among researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to develop effective strategies for mitigating the impact of fake news on society.

Keywords 

Fake News, Misinformation, Media literacy