Shaking The Foundation Of Fake News

Table of Contents

Context

Combating fake news is a growing preoccupation with the technology platforms, the political class, the news media.
Combating fake news is a growing narrative of the technology platforms like Facebook, Google, the news media, the government and an informed citizenry.
Fake news affects free speech and informed choices of the subjects of the country, leading to the hijacking of democracy.

Fake news refers to the deliberate creation of misinformation or hoaxes spread via traditional print and broadcast news media or online social media shaping the belief of people around the nation and world.

Attempting to rebut fake news may be possible to rebut news on one fake instance. But the ‘fake news factory’ will keep churning out similar stories to advance its chosen narrative.
Propagation and virality of a news item are contingent not on its accuracy but on how well it conforms to the dominant narrative.
The average consumer relies on overall narratives to evaluate a piece of information. The increasing complexity of issues and deluge of information has made it impossible for any individual to develop a well-researched stand on all the topics.

Must address the underlying narratives
By addressing the weaknesses that allow the fake news narrative
Mobilize public opinion
Replace it with a different narrative built on facts.
In the post-truth world, digitisation and fake news has become a deadly combo. Discuss. What steps can be taken to counter the menace?