Vol. 1 | Issue 1 | 2025
By Mimidoo Shiphrah Uwouku
The rapid proliferation of fake news and deepfakes poses significant challenges to information integrity, public trust, and democratic engagement in today’s digital media landscape. This literature review comprehensively examines the origins, typologies, and dissemination mechanisms of fake news alongside the evolving capabilities and threats of deepfake technologies. Anchored in key communication and media literacy theories, the review explores the profound societal impacts of misinformation on public opinion, cognition, and behavior, illustrated through empirical case studies. It critically evaluates existing media literacy frameworks, technological detection tools, and policy interventions aimed at mitigating these threats, while addressing the psychological, social, and platform-related challenges that hinder effective countermeasures. Identifying significant gaps in empirical research, particularly in long term and cross-cultural contexts, the review advocates for integrated, multidisciplinary approaches to media literacy education and regulatory strategies. This study underscores the urgent need for a multi-faceted response that empowers individuals and institutions to navigate and resist the complex and evolving landscape of fake news and deepfakes.
Fake News, Deepfakes, Media Literacy, Misinformation Detection, & Digital Media Ethics.
10.0000/wijamssae.v1i1.10
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Email: wijamssae@gmail.com
Address: Federal Polytechnic, Wannune, Benue State. Nigeria.