Perceptions of Fake News Among HBCU Undergraduate Students

The proliferation of digital technologies and social media platforms has intensified the spread of misinformation and disinformation, making fake news a pervasive challenge in contemporary society. While increased access to digital tools enables rapid information sharing and facilitates factchecking, it also creates opportunities for users to unknowingly disseminate inaccurate content. This study examines how undergraduate students at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) perceive fake news, their awareness of its spread, and the extent to which they may unintentionally participate in its circulation. Using qualitative interviews and a constant comparative thematic analysis, the findings reveal that although participants frequently share and repost information on social media, they also articulate strong ethical opposition to spreading fake news. Notably, several students acknowledged instances in which they shared unverified content, suggesting a gap between intention and practice. This study contributes to scholarship on media literacy and misinformation by offering insights into how Black students at an HBCU navigate an oversaturated digital news environment.