In today's digital age, while much of what we encounter online is accurate, there are times when information is deliberately published to misguide or deceive. This manipulative content is often referred to as fake news.
Your News Bulletin
Netsafe's 'Your News Bulletin' will put your critical thinking to the test as you learn how to spot 'fake news' and discover advice and guidance for keeping yourself and your family in the know about misinformation.
Last Updated30/07/2024
Fake news and misinformation consist of information that is partially or entirely inaccurate. They can appear anywhere and be created by anyone, posing potential harm to the community.
Fake news is usually designed to attract clicks, sell products, or promote specific viewpoints. Sometimes, it may emerge from genuine mistakes.
Identifying misinformation and fake news can be challenging, and with its increasing prevalence, many people inadvertently share it. Approximately one-third of people have unintentionally spread fake news online, and half are concerned about doing so unknowingly.
Yes, fake news and misinformation can be classified based on their intent and content:
Variances in digital literacy and the ease in which malicious content can spread means there has never been a greater need for people to develop critical thinking skills.
Misinformation can confuse or mislead people, affecting their learning and wellbeing, particularly if it causes anxiety. More troublingly, some fake news is hateful or targets minority groups, leading to real-world consequences.
Fake news and misinformation might be crafted to encourage clicks, sales, or support for particular views. Sometimes there are genuine mistakes. Social media often amplifies fake news, directing users to other fake news sources like phony product info or ads.
Before taking anything as fact and on-sharing the content, apply your critical thinking skills and ask yourself:
You can help to minimise the spread of misinformation by reporting fake accounts, or pages repeatedly sharing misinformation directly to the platform.
Our brains prioritize understanding and decision-making over accuracy. Without comparing new information to existing knowledge, we might accept incorrect information that seems plausible. Many things make us prone to falling for misinformation, like our biases and how misleading information is presented.
We are likely to believe misinformation from familiar or credible-seeming sources. Emotional and repetitive content, especially that which evokes fear or outrage, can reinforce false beliefs. Negative portrayals of opposing groups are more convincing than negative information about one’s own group and will increase the likelihood of accepting false information as true.
Education, critical thinking, and numeracy skills help identify misinformation. Anxiety, on the other hand, can make people more susceptible to fake news, those experiencing anxiety may find it more challenging to discern the truth. A calm and educated mind is better equipped to distinguish false from true information.
There has been an increase in fake news and hoax stories, so be aware of the following types and what to look out for:
To effectively combat misinformation, it's essential to address the factors that make us susceptible, such as our personal biases and how misleading information is crafted. By promoting critical thinking and enhancing media literacy, we can empower individuals to assess the credibility of information. Encouraging this analytical approach helps reduce the spread of false information and fosters a more informed public.
Critical thinking: Teach people to question the information they encounter, looking at the source and intent.
Media literacy: Provide tools and education to help people understand the media landscape and identify trustworthy information.
Fact-checking: Encourage the habit of verifying information before sharing it to prevent the dissemination of falsehoods.
By applying these methods, we contribute to creating a community that is better equipped to navigate the complexities of information in the digital age.
If you're experiencing online abuse, fallen victim to a scam, or need some advice about another online issue, Netsafe is here to support you.
Our helpline is free, confidential and non-judgmental - providing expert advice and assistance seven days a week.
Download our handy guide to remember some top tips for spotting fake news.
