30, September 2025

Digital Deception: A Sociological Understanding about Youth Media Use and Misinformation

VOLUME-9; ISSUE-9; SEPT-2025

Author(s): 1 Dr.J.Maria Agnes Sasitha, 2 Dr.Jayasheela.T, 3 Dr.Shanmuga Priya.S, 4 Ms.Anuja Priya.S

Authors Affiliations:

1Associate Controller of Examinations, Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, Stella Maris College, Chennai, India.

2Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, Stella Maris College, Chennai, India

3Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, Stella Maris College, Chennai, India

Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, Stella Maris College, Chennai, India

DOIs:10.2017/IJRCS/202509018     |     Paper ID: IJRCS202509018


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In today’s tech-savvy digital era, young people are increasingly immersed in social media environments for communication, information, and entertainment. However, these digital spaces have also become fertile ground for the spread of misinformation and disinformation. This study investigates how youth navigate, interpret, and are influenced by the complex information ecosystems of social media and digital platforms. Drawing on primary data, the research examines the interplay between young people’s media practices and the structural factors that enable misinformation to spread.

The study highlights the crucial role of digital literacy and socio-cultural contexts in shaping how young users engage with online content. It also explores the social consequences of misinformation, such as the erosion of trust, polarization of beliefs, and the shaping of public opinion. By addressing these dynamics, this research aims to contribute to strategies that ground youth in critical media literacy, empowering them to evaluate information responsibly and to understand the broader power structures that influence the digital sphere.

Fake news, youth, digital literacy, misinformation, social media influence

Dr.J.Maria Agnes Sasitha,  Dr.Jayasheela.T,  Dr.Shanmuga Priya.S, Ms.Anuja Priya.S (2025); Digital Deception: A Sociological Understanding about Youth Media Use and Misinformation ,  International Journal of Research Culture Society,    ISSN(O): 2456-6683,  Volume – 9,   Issue –  9,  Pp.104-107.        Available on – https://ijrcs.org/

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