On fake news and propaganda
The purpose of the fourth estate will be under siege if it fails to show the public what constitutes legitimate news and its vital role in society, writes Gareth van Onselen
The extent and nature of fake news on social media have made headlines recently and the journalistic establishment is in a frenzy of sorts over the practice. However, in the rush to condemn it — and it deserves condemnation — there seems to be some confusion about what fake news actually is and how it should be distinguished from propaganda. As a consequence, there is a risk this confusion will damage the public’s understanding of what legitimate news is and its role in society. The idea of fake news is fairly easy to define: It is a malicious and deliberate attempt to replicate or mimic a legitimate news story or outlet; only the content is fabricated and untrue (often to drive an agenda). In practical terms, you might be conned into believing a fake news story on social media because it has the look and feel of a legitimate news story. That is the purpose of those who produce the stuff. But, in an understandable desire to out those who use this kind of manipulation, a great deal o...
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