Fake News
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What is fake news?
Fake news is a type of false or inaccurate information that is spread through social media or other online platforms.
The coronavirus pandemic has seen the widespread dissemination of false claims and doctored information that is both harmful to individuals and undermines public health messaging published by governments and reputable experts.
There are many reasons why people share fake news. Some people share these falsehoods because they are unaware that they are false. Others may share this information either due to confirmation bias or to sway public opinion to further personal or political objectives.
It is important to be able to identify fake news so that you can avoid sharing it and spreading misinformation.
There are many ways to identify fake news. Some of the most common red flags include:
- Emotional language: Fake news often uses emotional language to appeal to your emotions and make you more likely to share it.
- No credible sources: Fake news stories often do not cite any credible sources. If a story does not have any sources, it is probably not true.
- Misleading headlines: Fake news headlines are often misleading and designed to grab your attention. They may use sensational language or make outrageous claims.
- Poor grammar and spelling: Fake news stories often contain poor grammar and spelling errors.
