FAKE NEWS!?!

 

As information spreads rapidly across numerous online platforms, distinguishing fact from fiction has become increasingly arduous. The pervasive spread of misinformation warns of considerable consequences for democracy itself, as when left unchecked it has the power to manipulate public perspectives, degrade the character of civic debate, and undermine faith in the structures that hold society together. Fake news, characterized by intentionally misleading or fabricated information presented as genuine news, has a long history, but its proliferation has been significantly amplified in the digital era. Online spaces too readily let untruths spread their twisted roots, tended by motives self-serving, profit-hungry, or plain cruel, watering weeds of warped tales in places meant to nourish minds instead. In the realm of politics, deliberately deceptive media initiatives could aim to color mass viewpoints, undermine opponents, or rally backing for certain positions or figures through less than forthright means. But when do we know fake news is fake news?

 A recent example provided in an Associated Press article highlights the dangers of fake news about a hypothetical illness dubbed "Disease X," discussed at the World Economic Forum's annual assembly in Davos, Switzerland this year. Though certain folks have spread fake news concerning the actuality of Disease X, it is, in truth, not an existing disease but instead a hypothetical representative conceived by the World Health Organization to assist in readying for possible upcoming medical crises. Introduced in 2018 as part of the WHO's catalog of potential public health threats, Disease X serves as a planning tool to guide global research and development efforts in areas such as vaccines and treatments, aiming to address potential risks to global health. Despite being misrepresented on social media as an imminent threat, Disease X remains a theoretical construct intended to facilitate worldwide preparedness efforts rather than an existing disease.

 This example underscores the critical importance of accurate information dissemination and the perils of fake news. It also emphasizes the need for media literacy and critical thinking skills among the public to discern credible sources from misinformation. Combating Fake News: An Agenda for Research and Action report suggests making the truth "louder", by "strengthening trustworthy sources of information, and finding ways to support and partner with the media to increase the reach of high-quality, factual information". Have you ever shared "fake news"? How can you make the truth louder?

 

Mele, Nicco, David Lazer, Matthew Baum, Nir Grinberg, Lisa Friedland, Kenneth Joseph, Will Hobbs, and Carolina Mattsson. "Combating Fake News: An Agenda for Research and Action." May 2017.

NOT REAL NEWS: A look at what didn't happen this week | AP News