Get the latest tech news

Not Fake News—Satire Is Helping Spread Misinformation On Social Media


Though some of the headlines from satire sites are outrageous—others are increasingly believable.

For example, if you picked up a Time magazine or a National Lampoon at the checkout line, you knew what to expect between the pages of each," explained Professor Laura Graham, faculty instructor of business communications at North Carolina Central University. "If we as the audience don't do even the most basic work to make sure what we're seeing and passing on is meant to be news rather than satire, then we will be just part of the manufactured outrage and content-less cacophony cluttering today's marketplace of ideas." "Although unintended," said York, "Parody news can add fuel to the Winston Churchill quote, 'A lie is halfway round the world before the truth has got its boots on."

Get the Android app

Or read this on r/technology

Read more on:

Photo of social media

social media

Photo of misinformation

misinformation

Photo of fake news

fake news

Related news:

News photo

Misinformation spreads in China on ‘civil war’ in Texas

News photo

Jan. 6 Was an Example of Networked Incitement − a Media and Disinformation Expert Explains the Danger of Political Violence Orchestrated Over Social Media

News photo

Kids Online Safety Act Is a Bipartisan Push to Protect Children on Social Media