Unmasking Deception: Understanding Fake News and Misinformation

"When people cannot distinguish between fact and fiction, their confidence in these institutions erodes..."

"Misinformation refers to the spread of false information without malicious intent, while disinformation involves the deliberate dissemination of falsehoods to deceive and manipulate."

Fake news and misinformation are like gossip, they spread like wildfires. If we know this fact, then why do we still accept and view fake news and misinformation from the various platforms we use? This common question can be answered by the increase of exploitation fear, strong opinions, and biases by powerful people and influencers, and through emotional and sensational manipulation. The influencers we know and love that may be producing misinformation and fake news craft and create these compelling narratives by using interesting and biased language and headlines. This causes us, as viewers, to stop thinking critically and ask questions if it is accurate, but rather indulge in our own curiosity and explore further what the creator has to say.

In order to combat misinformation, it is important to fact-check all information and media before you believe it as the truth or let it completely sway your opinion, as it does to the uninformed public. In doing so, it is also important and highly suggested to maintain an open mind when reading or viewing information that may come off as fake news. I believe this is key because allowing in new perspectives allows you to learn other perspectives and viewpoints on a situation, which should then strengthen your own beliefs and information. By understanding these rhetorical strategies, you should be able to properly evaluate information, even when society or even an individual pushes incorrect information through various platforms.

https://medium.com/@rossnesbitt_62306/unmasking-disinformation-understanding-and-combating-the-modern-threat-cc24fd41de43

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