Factors Indicating Media Dependency and Online Misinformation Sharing in Jordan

Abstract

Although social media is a vital platform in our life, it is blamed for poor efforts to moderate content included mis/disinformation and fake news. This could have an impact on its legacy and on sustainability in society in the long term. This research examined the role of social media in spreading misinformation during the COVID-19 outbreak in Jordan. A cross-sectional design questionnaire (350 responses) was used. The results revealed that social media played a key role in updating users with COVID-19 information. However, the availability of misinformation remained highly prevalent. Respondents revealed that they relied heavily on social media for information gathering and knowledge sharing about COVID-19 updates. The role of behavioural intention remained prominent and highly significant for these two reasons. Their behavioural intention was linked to the sharing of unchecked information, suggesting that online information in Jordan needs greater regulation to reduce the spread of misinformation.