The ‘fake news' is not unknown to everyone and it is evident how extensively it is being used in various aspects of social media, news media, and other media platforms. Whether it is political news or social news, calling a news fake immediately reduces its credibility and helps to stop the spread of misinformation that can guide readers in the wrong way.
However, the newswire, social media, and the whole internet are flooded with a vast sea of free information. Therefore, it is quite easy to get distracted by some fake news or material that can pollute the authenticity of the web platforms. Authoritative resources and credible sources are getting overrun by thousand of online platforms which are solely created to spread false information.
What kinds of false information are available on the web?
While any information that lacks authenticity can be considered false information, it is mainly categorized into three divisions.
1. Misinformation
Such information is not created to harm in the first place however, the information turns out to be false or mistaken due to some reason. Although it is false, sharing and spreading the information over and over again makes it credible eventually. Thus, the actual source from where it was been mistaken is often not found.
2. Fake News
Fake News is intentionally created or fabricated with lies to create chaos. Such news is non-verifiable through any sources, quotes, or facts. Fake news can be anything starting from conspiracy theories, hoaxes, clickbait pages, which appear as memes, YouTube channels, and legitimate websites. These are considered zombie claims which appear as real news, posts, or photos but are actually manipulated materials that keep popping everywhere over the web.
3. Disinformation
Such information is specially created to deceive and support an individual or a social or a political group’s personal agenda. It is basically biased information that is used as propaganda to harm the users through brainwashing.
Usually, the fake information is crafted in order to trigger reactions among the mass. The purpose could be an emotional response or to make an action since it is quite easy to spread misinformation without even knowing its relevance and authenticity. It is mainly done when some information triggers strong relatable feelings among the readers.
How to determine whether the information is real or not?
To determine information’s legitimacy always check its source or author section to find out its reliability or not.
- A reputable source can provide in-depth information based on evidence that is authoritative
- Reliable sources are unbiased to any propaganda offer a balanced approach to the mass readers
- These sources come with a reputation that makes them trustworthy over a period of time
What are the examples of a reliable source?
While there are numerous sources to gain information, the following sources are considered to be the most reliable ones.
- Established digital newswire, magazine, television, etc
- Scholarly journals or articles reviewed by experts. It can be academic research papers and databases as well
- It can be official reports of the government as well as books and libraries too
How to avoid spreading misinformation?
While it is nearly impossible to find out the real source of fake information, it is convenient to make a web search and find out what others are saying about it. Authority, Accuracy, Objectivity, and timeline are the four elements that should be checked before sharing a piece of information. Web search, Wikipedia, and verifying images can help to check the facts with relevant information.
It is always to check the information before jumping to conclusions.
