This thesis seeks to discover the effects of fake news on consumer trust in social media marketing. The concept of fake news is discussed at length in the research in order to establish a more theoretical basis for the study. It is a quantitative research which uses the questionnaire tool designed for a dedicated survey group on Facebook with the aim of gathering a hundred responses. The data was analysed after receiving a hundred responses.
Highlights:
- The results of the questionnaire revealed that there was a moderate rise of consumer distrust in social media platforms and other online entities.
- The consumers felt that tech companies like Facebook have a responsibility to fight fake news and that working with sites connected to fake news is an unethical practice.
- The study recommends image-conscious brands and marketers to avoid clickbait and steer clear of websites associated with peddling fake news. It also advises consumers to fact-check news they find online.