COMBATING MISINFORMATION ON SOCIAL MEDIA

This paper examines the increasingly vital role journalists play in combating misinformation on social media platforms. As digital spaces grow in influence, so too does the proliferation of false, misleading, and harmful content. The study explores the tools and strategies used by journalists to identify, verify, and debunk misinformation, while also analyzing institutional, ethical, and technological challenges. Drawing on global examples and international literature, this research highlights the intersection between media literacy, fact-checking initiatives, and responsible reporting. It also briefly reflects on the situation in Uzbekistan to provide a regional perspective. The findings suggest that despite the technological limitations and algorithmic biases of social media, professional journalism remains a powerful antidote to misinformation—when supported by proper resources, freedom, and training. KEYWORDS Journalism, misinformation, fake news, social media, digital literacy, fact-checking, media ethics, content verification, Uzbekistan media, information warfare.