The Danger of the "Fake News" Term

In the most recent reading for my Mobile and Social Journalism class, the chapter covers misinformation in journalism and the term “fake news.”

My own personal definition of fake news falls along these lines: the purposeful spread of false information or news stories with malicious intent. Many news organizations and dictionaries, such as McMillian and Cambridge Dictionaries, have since tried to define fake news, especially ever since its rise in popular use during Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential election.

While the definitions from dictionaries like the ones listed above do a fair job of presenting a broad and technically accurate explanation, they mostly fall short when it comes to the aftermath of fake news.

"And while it may be done as a joke, the danger still lies in playing a part in perpetuating the spread of false information."

For example, this is the definition given by Cambridge: “false stories that appear to be news, spread on the internet or using other media, usually created to influence political views or as a joke.”

Even though the definition is true in a broad sense of the term, many meanings do not accurately explain the harmful effects or intentions behind deliberately spreading incorrect information. And while it may be done as a joke, the danger still lies in playing a part in perpetuating the spread of false information. If just one organization or person is putting out fake news, what is stopping others from doing the same, no matter how minor the situation may be?

The increased use of social media and its ability to rapidly spread all kinds of information has made the topic surrounding fake news and misinformation all the more relevant. While everyone in the equation plays some kind of role in producing and passing on fake news, a large portion of that responsibility lies on bigger tech companies.

"While everyone in the equation plays some kind of role in producing and passing on fake news, a large portion of that responsibility lies on bigger tech companies. "

Due to this, fact-checking teams must be a more prominent part of every organization and newsroom. The ability to slow the spread of fake news lies with these companies because of their social and financial power, as the conversation of fake news is interconnected with audiences’ media literacy and their accessibility to news. More vigilant fact-checking can be the first step in the right direction in disseminating information.

However, responsibilities still lie on journalists. As I said previously, social media makes the spread of all kinds of information occur in seconds, not to mention the fact that everything posted on the Internet never truly goes away. The importance of doing accurate, thoughtful reporting has never been more necessary than it is right now.

Another factor is the media literacy of audiences. While the majority of the responsibility lies on companies, it is important to remember those who consume fake news and spread it without realizing or with good intentions. More action needs to be taken to better the media literacy of audiences. This responsibility is of the news consumers, as well as tech companies.

"The importance of doing accurate, thoughtful reporting has never been more necessary than it is right now."

Overall, everyone can and must play a part in disseminating news and information that is more factual. The spread of fake news does more harm than it is given credit for, and it is important that everyone does their part in remaining vigilant when it comes to creating and consuming news.