The Role of Social Media in Deepfake Spread and Misinformation Mitigation

Abstract—Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have significantly impacted information dissemination on social media, particularly increasing exposure to deepfakes and fake news. This study aims to analyze how social media news use and instantaneous sharing of news contribute to inadvertent deepfake sharing. Additionally, it explores the role of deepfake exposure in increasing the risk of misinformation spread. To mitigate these risks, the study examines strategies such as authenticating news before sharing and implementing both active and passive corrective actions against fake news. The findings are expected to provide insights into how individuals can be more cautious in filtering information on social media and how mitigation measures can help reduce the unintentional spread of deepfakes. Furthermore, this study contributes to a broader understanding of the role of social media in shaping public perception of AI and digital news. By identifying key factors influencing the spread of misinformation, the research highlights the need for digital literacy and proactive measures to ensure responsible information sharing in the digital age.