摘要：The present study observed the bearing of the third-person effect on individuals and perceptions of the media’s influence on people’s opinions regarding fake news. The third-person effect theory says that people would perceive media messages to have more effects on other people than on themselves; predicting self-other discrepancy in perceived influence of media messages. This study focuses on investigating perceived prevalence of fake news, and fake news checking habits of news consumers. Furthermore, with reference to third person effect the intensity of self-other discrepancy in the perceived effects of fake news at different levels was examined; also identifying variables predicting those discrepancies. An online survey of the university students was conducted using convenient sampling confirmed a strong TPE. Results showed the presence of self-other discrepancy demonstrating the tendency to consider others as more influenced by fake news and this perception intensifies with social distance.
