Why should we care about fake news?
Modern technology is a wonderful thing. We can find the answer to any question within seconds. Need a recipe? Want to check the weather? Have a burning need to know how many stomachs a cow has? Whatever the question, we can find an answer online.
But what if the information you’re given online isn’t correct?
Anyone can post on the internet. Platforms where people can share information or opinions, don’t always have the capacity or ability to monitor and fact check what people are sharing. Not everything we read or see on the internet is true, and sharing information that isn’t correct can have real consequences. Misinformation (sharing information we believe to be true but isn’t) and disinformation (sharing information that we know is false) creates confusion and division. It can spread fear and panic, and lead to things like hate crimes.
False or misleading information can influence our opinions, decisions and actions. It can affect elections, public health, community trust and even personal relationships.
Fake news is not new; it has always existed. In Ancient Rome, Octavian spread rumours about rival Mark Antony to win public support, one of the earliest recorded political disinformation campaigns. In a digital age, the rise of technology means that fake news can spread further and faster than ever.
Being able to tell fact from fiction has always been part of learning, but the amount of misinformation means we must question more when online or talking with others.
We think the spread of hate and disinformation could be improved through better investment in literacy and digital skills. This will give adults critical thinking skills to spot when something doesn't look right. There are lots of ways that you can spot fake news, which we will be talking about on our Facebook and Instagram channels throughout July.
Free online misinformation course
We also offer a free open-access learning tool to combat disinformation. Click here to access our course and discover how to identify, challenge and stop the spread of false claims on social media.
In a world where information travels instantly, taking a moment to verify what we see online has never been more important.
