Popülism and fake news in the new media: An example of Syrian refugees in Turkey

Populism is often associated with confrontational and polarizing politics. The scope of this concept is growing with social problems these days. This rise in populist politics is seen as a global problem of democracy. Information pollution, which is becoming widespread with new communication technologies, is a factor that supports this argument about populism. Fake news shared on social media platforms spread hate speech and hostility. Identities different from the general public are accused of harming the public in fake news. Such fake news consists of populist discourses based on unfounded claims against disadvantaged or other segments. This problem leads to the manipulation of popular interests and increased polarization. This study questioned the relationship between fake news targeting minority groups and populism. One of the other groups that are the target of the fake news in question is the refugees. The research has examined the false news published in this direction for the Syrian refugees in Turkey. The relationship, between growing anger and hatred towards asylum seekers in recent years in Turkey and fake news about these groups, has been evaluated in a qualitative analysis.