Quarterly Journal of Social Development (Previously Human Development)

Quarterly Journal of Social Development (Previously Human Development)

Designing a Model of Resilience to Fake News: The Mediating Role of News Acceptance Bias (A Case Study of Bushehr)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Ryhaneh Faghihian Alirezaei Alvijeh 1
Ali Moradi 2
Behrouz Zeynali 3
1 PhD Student in Social Communication Sciences, Ardabil Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ardabil, Iran
2 Professor, Department of Sociology, Kermanshah Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kermanshah, Iran
3 Department of Social Sciences, Farhangian University, P.O. Box 14665-889, Tehran, Iran
10.22055/qjsd.2026.52299.3242
Abstract
This study aimed to design a model of resilience against fake news, in which bias in news acceptance is considered as a qualitative mediating variable, while social capital, institutional trust, and collective memory serve as indigenous moderating factors. This applied research employed a qualitative approach with a qualitative case study strategy. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 35 participants (4 academic experts, 7 executive specialists, and 24 ordinary citizens of Bushehr). Purposive sampling with maximum variation continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. Data analysis was performed using MAXQDA 2020 software and Braun & Clarke's thematic analysis method. Coding reliability was confirmed by calculating Cohen's kappa coefficient (κ = 0.84). Data analysis led to the identification of 5 overarching themes, 22 organizing themes, and 84 basic themes. The overarching themes include: cognitive mechanisms of resilience; behavioral patterns of resilience; bias in news acceptance (mediating role); indigenous moderating factors; and consequences of reduced believability. The highest frequencies were related to "trust in official news agencies" (80%) and "distrust of anonymous Telegram channels" (74.3%). The innovation of this study lies in three areas: explaining bias as a qualitative mediator (a necessary condition for the effectiveness of resilience), discovering the dual role of social capital (as both a shield and a lever), and identifying novelty bias as a survival strategy rooted in seafaring culture (rather than a cognitive error). It is recommended that indigenous media literacy programs be designed with an emphasis on emotional regulation and reflection on the cultural heritage of seafaring life.
Keywords
Resilience
Fake News
Bias in News Acceptance
Qualitative Case Study
Bushehr City
Thematic Analysis
Subjects
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Quarterly Journal of Social Development (Previously Human Development)
Volume 20, Issue 4 - Serial Number 80
Vol. 20, No. 4, Summer 2026
Summer 2026
Pages 203-234