The Truth About Fake News

Fake news or information disorder is defined as false or misleading information presented as news. They are aimed to deceive readers ... and fake news often is designed to damage the reputation of a person or entity.

In olden times we often got our news from trusted writers or columnists and journalists employed by TV  stations and newspapers that adhere to strict codes of conduct. However, the system has now been corrupted and news is forced down our throats without following decency and decorum ... or editorial guidelines that maintain a certain level of quality that aligns with their branding.

I just want to caution our readers that some experts advise us to be careful with its usage because fake news is now more associated with politics. Any misinformation or disinformation masquerading as news (tackling genres like health, science, or economics, etc.) can now be safely called false information.

False information that is designed to sway public viewpoints and outlooks... or cause confusion to push a product or a business agenda. They are often clothed in a fashion that appears to be truthful ... but it often is not.

The Difference Between Missinformation and Disinformation

 

Browsing your Facebook page or any content provider on social media ... one should have the ability at how this information is communicated.  It is a known fact that whatever platform they may be - anybody can share information without batting an eyelash ... and fact-checking was never their priority.

I am writing this piece to warn readers to sharpen their minds and be able to distinguish what information is being shared on the table.  Was it misinformation ... or was it disinformation? And is there any difference between the two?

One expert says the difference lies in the INTENT of the individual or group or company sharing the news or the information.

Whether it is misinformation or disinformation ... all content seen in our feeds can be dessiminated in divergent and diverse ways. The misleading news or information can land on your page in the form of a caricature, satire sarcasm, and irony ... others showed up without invitation clothe in the form of a joke or a spoof ... conspiracy plots, or schemes ... eye-catching links ... click-bait announcements ... rumors and scandals ... and other man-made manufactured reports.

What separates the two is that in misinformation there is no calculated and premeditated intent to fool and mislead the readers. It found its way to social media designed to sway, mold, or alter public sentiments on certain topics of discussion.

Disinformation on the other hand is spreading news, hoaxes, and conspiracy theories that are far-fetched, magnified, and obviously made up and overdone. They were there with the intent to go viral, improve traffic ... boost online visits ... fuel emotional response ... and encourage netizens' uproar.

The sources remained unchecked ... and the veracity of the news was doubtful.