Who believes Fake News? Psychological and criminological aspects of the protagonists of the post-truth era

Abstract

This article offers a review of scientific reading on the subject of susceptibility to disinformation. Although it is an insidious problem, little attention is still given to the psychological variables involved in this phenomenon, just as there are still no editorial rules that protect the correct dissemination of online news. After defining the multiple facets of fake news, the Authors explore the individual differences involved in perceived correct or incorrect accuracy in Fake News and in sharing behavior. In conclusion, starting from the analysis of the criminological-clinical aspects of the phenomenon of in-terest, the attention of the scholars of the criminological and psychological disciplines is drawn to the need to initiate more studies, research and contribute to establishing strategies for dealing with the phenomenon, possibly considering authors and victims of fake news.