(MENAFN- Jordan News Agency)

Amman, July 17 (Petra) -- The Jordanian Media Credibility Observatory (AKEED) has identified a total of 354 rumors circulating in Jordan during the first half of this year, averaging nearly 59 per month.
This spike in misinformation coincided with the war in the Gaza Strip, which has significantly influenced the spread of rumors, affecting Jordan due to its strategic role and location amidst regional hotspots.
In its report released Wednesday, AKEED outlined its new methodology for tracking rumors, defining them as "incorrect or inaccurate information related to Jordanian affairs or interests, reaching over five thousand people through digital media, whether officially denied or not."
Security and political rumors were the most prevalent, making up 60 percent of the total, with 211 out of 354 rumors. These included false reports of military activities, border intrusions, demonstrations, Jordan's stance on regional events, and trade movements with neighboring countries.
External sources were responsible for 59 security and political rumors, representing 18 percent of the total and 28 percent of all security and political rumors.
The report highlighted a noticeable decline in health-related rumors, with only five reported in the past six months, as public attention shifted to the Gaza war. Economic rumors also saw a drop, falling from the top concern in 2023 to fourth place this year, with 49 rumors, or 14 percent of the total.
Daily monitoring revealed that 95 rumors were officially denied, averaging 16 denials per month, a significant decrease from last year's average of 32 monthly denials.
Security rumors led with 111 instances, or 31 percent, followed by political rumors with 100, or 28 percent. Social rumors ranked third with 61, or 17 percent, followed by economic rumors. Public affairs rumors totaled 28, or 8 percent, with health rumors being the least frequent.
AKEED noted that 82 percent of the rumors originated from internal sources, including social media and news sites, with 290 out of 354. External sources accounted for 64 rumors, or 18 percent.
Social media was the primary channel for these rumors, responsible for 303 instances, or 86 percent, while traditional media accounted for 51, or 14 percent.

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