Fake news sources have caused a decline in public trust in mainstream media, especially during a time of uncertainty and the need for reliable and unbiased news. The Harvard Kennedy School stated that “online misinformation was linked to lower trust in mainstream media,” especially across party lines. The spread of misinformation has occurred through different means; such as the fabrication of elements in a story, the exaggeration of statements put out of context, and the exaggeration of emotional aspects that play to the consumer's fear, sympathy, and/or anger. Sometimes, misinformation is spread through echo chambers that may reinforce false beliefs and narratives with other like-minded individuals. False news sources harm the press and legitimate sources by damaging their credibility and possibly accusing them of bias and incompetence. The overall utilization of persuasion and bias is driving this widespread headlining of fabricated topics, contributing to the increasingly harmful social atmosphere, especially over politics.
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