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fake news

Fake news on TV and social media used to spread disinformation and propaganda

In latest years, the term fake news has become a ubiquitous phrase in the media landscape. With the rise of social media, anyone can share news and information, whether it is true or not. The proliferation of fake news has had a significant impact on public opinion and political decisions, and this is a growing concern for democracies worldwide.
Fake news is an old phenomenon; it has been around for centuries. However, the internet and social media have made it easier for people to spread false information. Social media platforms have become the primary source of news for many people, and unfortunately, many individuals believe everything they read without verifying the authenticity of the information.
The power of fake news on public opinion cannot be overstated. Studies have shown that people who are exposed to fake news are more likely to believe it, even when they are presented with evidence that it is untrue. This has led to the dissemination of false information and conspiracy theories, which can have significant consequences.
One of the most significant consequences of fake news is its impact on political decisions. Fake news has been used to manipulate public opinion during elections, as well as to undermine the legitimacy of democratic institutions. They will use the slogan “fake it until you make it” to get voters and into power. After that, all the information will be forgotten as well as all their promises. False information can be used to create fear and anxiety among voters, and it can also be used to spread propaganda and disinformation. Think of what the governments around the world said a few years back, spreading the same fearful news and acting upon that by limiting natural human rights and also infringing them with no consequences for them, only for the “buyers”.
Furthermore, fake news can have real-world consequences. In 2016, fake news was used to spread a conspiracy theory about a pizza restaurant in Washington DC, which led to a man firing shots in the restaurant. This incident highlights the danger of fake news and how it can lead to real-world violence and harm. (Was this really fake news or it was a lot of truth out there and we were lied to one more time ?!?)
To combat the rise of fake news, social media companies have taken steps to reduce the spread of false information. For example, Facebook and Twitter have implemented fact-checking measures, and Google has modified its algorithm to prioritize trustworthy sources of news. And much more has to be done to address the problem of fake news. Also, the same companies were, only a few years back (2020-2022), censoring a lot of comments from reputable authorities in different domains.
In conclusion, the rise of fake news has had a significant impact on public opinion and political decisions. It is a growing concern for democracies worldwide, and it is essential to address this issue to ensure the integrity of democratic institutions. As consumers of news and information, it is our responsibility to verify the authenticity of what we read and share, and social media companies must continue to take steps to reduce the spread of false information. Only by working on ourselves and doing our own research, looking through other media than TV, radio and social media, we can combat the rise of fake news and ensure the integrity of our democracy.