Imran Nawaz2025-08-292025-08-292023https://escholar.umt.edu.pk/handle/123456789/5694This study looks at how social media fake news impacts Pakistani individuals' trust in the democratic process. Using a qualitative case study methodology and thematic analysis, data were acquired via semi-structured online interviews with twenty individuals. After doing a data analysis using the NVivo program, six important themes that describe the opinions, encounters, and effects of fake news on social media on democracy in Pakistan were discovered. The study claims that fake news influences Pakistanis' knowledge, beliefs, emotions, and behavior, undermining the public's trust in democracy. Additionally, it has an impact on core democratic values, norms, and institutions, which divides society and creates uncertainty. There are several strategies for coping, including critical thinking, verification procedures, education, and the need for reliable knowledge, guidance, and learning resources. The study offers suggestions for theory, behavior, and policy, expanding the body of knowledge and providing solutions to improve social media's role in a democratic setting. While noting limitations in sample size, data collection, and analysis, the study suggests effective therapies and topics for further research. The study's ultimate goal is to increase the understanding of fake news, promote further research, and prepare Pakistanis to use media critically and ethically for political activity.en-USThesis