Social networking sites provide convenience to online consumers, which is attributable to the ability to share, comment on, and discuss the news with others, its timeliness, and reduced costs of access. However, despite this convenience, the quality of news available on social media is low compared to traditional media. With an increasing number of online users intentionally sharing false information, the phenomenon of “Fake news” has become prevalent, breaking the authenticity balance in the news and information sharing ecosystem.

Fake news promotes false ideas and beliefs with an intention of misguiding online news consumers. Further, sharing of fake news and misinformation is detrimental to the society by changing the way the audience interprets and reacts to real news, despite credible and authentic sources provided.