Fake news has gained attention in real news over the past two years due to its impact and the role of social media. Scientific investigation into fake news is emerging, with a recent paper in Science by David Lazer and co-authors examining its implications. They define fake news and explore its effects on individuals, institutions, and society. With contributors from diverse fields, the paper highlights alarming statistics about exposure to fake news, especially during the 2016 election, and discusses the necessity of fostering a culture that promotes truth.
The authors define fake news as 'fabricated information that mimics news media content in form but not in organizational process or intent,' highlighting its deceptive nature.
One conservative estimate is that in the month before the 2016 election, the average American was exposed to somewhere between one and three articles from a known publisher of fake news.
The authors’ backgrounds in fields like network science, psychology, and journalism reinforce the complex, multidisciplinary nature of the challenge posed by fake news.
The paper emphasizes the need for a culture that values and promotes truth as a fundamental approach to combatting the spread of fake news.
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