WhatsApp as a verification tool for fake news. The case of B de Bulo

Abstract

Introduction. According to the Digital News Report 2017, Spain is the European country with the highest penetration of WhatsApp for news consumption. Hypothesis and objectives. This tool of immediate communication allows media to increase from a qualitative perspective sources, traffic and even involve active audiences in fact-checking tasks. Our goals are to describe the process of creating B of Bulo feature in the newspaper SUR, analyze its operation and impact on social networks. Methodology. A mixed methodology is applied, by combining quantitative and qualitative techniques: content analysis, interviews with those responsible for the management of the service, participant observation and monitoring of visits. Results. The publication of content on hoaxes is done every 48 or 72 hours, and those related to children or politics are avoided. Despite these editorial limitations, news pieces in this section are part of the list of the most read contents. Conclusions. The results confirm the success of the proximity relationship established between newsroom and audiences via WhatsApp.