Rumors through Social Networking Sites from Penetrating the Public Sphere to Reshaping Public Opinion (a survey study on a sample of Facebook users)

Abstract

This study examines how rumors penetrate the digital public sphere and the problem of re-engineering it according to what its administrators want to control the public opinion through this area which is formed by the social media sites. As some actors within this space invest in the glut of information on these sites; starting from the publication of a set of news with anonymous sources, especially during the complex crises, through the fabrication of news and misinformation to contribute in the wide spread of rumors via this digital field according to the characteristics it offers. Particularly, in the rapid spread of rumors that penetrate the public sphere and try to break up the public opinion formed through it, in order to reshape it again due to the contexts needed from the public opinion. In order to reach the goals of this study, we used the media survey method which is based on the electronic questionnaire tool. In addition to focusing on the rumors spread about both; the Hirak movement and the Corona virus in Algeria.