Amman: The Jordanian Media Credibility Observatory, known as Akeed, documented a total of 96 rumors that circulated among audiences during the month of January, disseminated through both local and foreign media outlets as well as social media platforms.
According to Jordan News Agency, Akeed's monthly rumors report, released at the start of each month, highlighted the use of a comprehensive quantitative and qualitative methodology to track and monitor rumors. Akeed defines a rumor as any inaccurate or imprecise information related to public affairs that reaches approximately more than 5,000 individuals via digital media, irrespective of whether it was officially refuted by the relevant authority.
The January report indicated that 22 out of the 96 rumors were officially denied, which is an increase from December 2025, when only 17 rumors were denied. The breakdown of rumors by sector showed that political rumors were the most prevalent with 22 instances (23%), followed closely by social rumors with 21 instances (22%). Security-related rumors accounted for 18 (19%), economic rumors for 15 (16%), and health-related rumors for 13 (13%), while general public-affairs rumors were the least with seven (7%).
Akeed's analysis of rumor sources across various media and public platforms, notably social networks, revealed that internal sources, such as social media and news websites, were responsible for 68 rumors (71%). In contrast, external sources accounted for 28 rumors (29%).
Regarding distribution channels, Akeed found that a significant majority of rumors, 86 (90%), originated on social media platforms, while traditional media outlets were the source for 10 rumors (10%).
The observatory issued a warning about the dangers of treating social media users as primary news sources without proper verification of the content's accuracy. This practice leads to the spread of false and low-precision information, thereby amplifying rumors and creating misleading narratives.
To combat misinformation, Akeed regularly publishes fact-check reports on its website to address misleading and false information circulating in the media. This initiative is part of its broader effort to raise public awareness about the risks and societal impacts associated with inaccurate information.