What is Fake news or Misinformation?
Fake news or misinformation is false or misleading information (misinformation, including disinformation, propaganda, and hoaxes) presented as the News.
Misinformation is false or inaccurate information that is mistakenly created or spread. The intent is to deceive. For example, misinformation can include false content that is shared by people who think it’s true.
Here are some tips for identifying fake news:
- Check the source.
- Check the author.
- Check other sources.
- Maintain a critical mindset.
- Check the facts.
- Check the comments.
- Check your own biases.
Check the difference between misinformation and disinformation through fact-checking sites:
- The Quint
- Alt News
- Scroll in
- PIB factcheck
- Google Lens.
- Factcheck.Org
What is Fact checking?
Fact-checking is the process of verifying the factual accuracy of questioned reporting and statements. Fact-checking can be conducted before or after the text or content is published or otherwise disseminated.
Why Fact checking is needed?
Research suggests that fact-checking can indeed correct perceptions among citizens, as well as discourage politicians or anyone from spreading false or misleading claims.
Fake News and Misinformation in India.
Fake news was very prevalent during the 2019 Indian general election. Misinformation was prevalent at all levels of society during the build-up to the election. The elections were called by some as “India’s first WhatsApp elections” with WhatsApp being used by many as a tool of propaganda amongst people of India.