Who believes in fake news? Study on the relationship between media use and perceived accuracy of fake news about COVID-19 in Nuevo Leon, Mexico

This study, which presents the results of an online survey applied to the population of the state of Nuevo Leon, Mexico (n = 743), provides a portrait of individual characteristics and media use habits that are related to the belief of fake news about the disease COVID-19. Relationships were found between age (positive association) and educational level (negative association) and the proclivity to believe in false news, which accentuates the need to extend media literacy efforts. Likewise, the results indicate that those who consume news in print or online newspapers and on the Internet more frequently are less likely to believe in fake news about the disease, which is aligned with the school of thought on media effects -the theory mobilization- which highlights a positive influence of these in society. On the other hand, the findings show that YouTube -and not other social media as is often thought- is a factor positively linked to the belief in false news about COVID-19, so special attention should be paid to actions taken to combat disinformation in that space.