We live in a digital age of information. At the click of a button, we have access to thousands, if not millions, of resources online. But can we trust all of this information? Unfortunately, no.
Recent years have seen an alarming surge in fake news. But what exactly is it? Fake news can be described as propaganda, a hoax, or disinformation that is purposely spread and published as real news, often using social media, with the intent to mislead for political or financial gains. These deceptive reports often utilize eye-catching headlines and images to increase sharing and views.
The term 'fake news' has evolved in recent years to become rather generic and inclusive, encompassing things that may have been considered separate categories at one time (like hoaxes, misinformation, urban legends, satire, propaganda, etc.).
With the ever-growing accessibility of information online, we must remain vigilant in discerning what is credible and what is not. It is up to us to be responsible enough to decipher what is real and what is fabricated. Take advantage of the simple advice, easy credibility checks, and the many resources at your disposal to effectively combat misinformation online.
Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash