This research paper seeks to understand the impact of the phenomenon of fake news on the virtual public sphere. This is done through a review of a wide range of theoretical works and empirical research. In addition to reviewing the concept of fake news and the virtual public sphere. We tried to examine the potential implications of the spread of fake news, which work to destroy the virtual public space, and are represented in: Erosion of democratic values, Undermining trust in institutions, Promoting conspiracy theories, Aggravating the phenomenon of political polarization, The spread of echo chambers, filter bubbles, and social bots. We also tried to review a set of possible solutions to combating the spread of fake news and minimize its negative impacts on the virtual public sphere.

Fake news, virtual public sphere, democratic values, trust in institutions, conspiracy theories, political polarization, echo chambers, filter bubbles, social bots.