Introduction
People can easily search for a lot of information on platforms such as journals, newspapers, and websites. Besides, different kinds of news are being provided more and more rapidly due to developments on the internet. However, fake news and misinformation are often reported to the readers. It is hard to distinguish which is fake news and which is fact news and then people believe in misinformation and suffer financial damage or injury. Still, some governments and institutions publish fake news to make people believe and they earn huge profits. Therefore, citizens and investors must try to prevent fake news and misinformation to defend their rights.
Influence of fake news
Public Health
In 2020, WHO Bangladesh headquarters announced that from January to March, 5800 people went to hospitals after following misinformation related to COVID-19. Former US President Donald Trump spread the false news through social media that the malaria drug chloroquine is a treatment for COVID-19. Most of them believed and followed fake news that drinking methanol or alcohol could prevent disease, besides, 525 people have died in Iran for this reason.
Politics & Celebrities
Fake political news circulates on the Internet during every presidential election. A typical example is the Pizzagate case involving Hillary Clinton in 2016. Even though it was fake news, many people believed it, and it was an incident that even led to gun terrorism. In addition, many celebrities are hurt or ridiculed by people because of fake news or false scandals.
Methods of avoiding Fake news and misinformation
Doubt of sources
Teenagers and people who use social networks are more likely to access information from unknown sources than others. In addition, these posts are composed of provocative content to attract people’s interest. Therefore, readers should use the articles on professional news platforms such as the BBC and CNN, not those posted on only social networks.
Don’t spread without Fact Check
The most important thing to prevent fake news is to always check the facts with other news platforms. As subscribers and readers continue to share information without checking the facts, fake news is spreading more and more. On the other hand, if people find fake news and misinformation, they should report it to the manager.
Conclusion
Fake news and misinformation are always hurting many people. They should be aware of the dangers of fake news again and prevent it in many kinds of ways. Institutions and governments should also strengthen the compensation system for victims of fake news and the management system for it.
References
Cho, S. (2020). 800 people died between January and March due to COVID-19 fake news. [online] Dongascience. Available at: https://www.dongascience.com/news.php?idx=39006 [Accessed 26 Apr. 2022].
STEGNER, B. (2020). 10 Tips to Avoid (Spreading) Fake News During a Crisis. [online] MUO. Available at: https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/quickly-avoid-fake-news-unfolding-crisis/ [Accessed 26 Apr. 2022].
Nast, C. (2016). The Top 5 Fake Political News Stories of the Year, Ranked. [online] Vanity Fair. Available at: https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2016/12/the-top-5-fake-political-news-stories-of-the-year-ranked [Accessed 26 Apr. 2022].
