Objective: This research, while recognizing the views of social network users regarding the credibility of fake news, aimed to identify and analyze factors Influencing users' acceptance and response to fake news.
Method: This research employs a quantitative research methodology, specifically utilizing a survey approach with convenience sampling. The data collection process involved the distribution of a researcher-designed questionnaire online to a sample population consisting of individuals who are active users of social networking platforms.  
Findings: The results revealed that there is a low level of consensus among users regarding the notion that the circulation of news on social media contributes to the acceptance of fake news. Users demonstrate a widespread belief in methods to combat fake news as effective means of enhancing the accuracy and credibility of content. Moreover, over 60% of participants in the research concurred or strongly concurred that advancements in artificial intelligence and computer-generated imagery in producing realistic facial simulations have complicated the identification of fake videos. Respondents largely agreed on issues such as the opacity of mainstream media sources and a pervasive sense of mistrust within society.
Conclusion: The findings of this research indicate that fake news has widespread effects on societies and can lead to increased public distrust, weakening of democratic institutions, reduced social participation, polarization of society, and the spread of social unrest. The loss of trust in traditional news sources, the use of fake news to manipulate public opinion, and the increase in political and social polarization are among the most important challenges identified in this research. Furthermore, the dissemination of misinformation not only misleads social network users but can also endanger the psychological and social security of society. At the individual level, promoting media and information literacy is essential.