What Is Fake News?

Summary

This video script delves into the phenomenon of fake news, explaining its history and the ease with which it spreads via the internet. It emphasizes the importance of discerning real from fake news, especially in a democratic society, and outlines strategies to verify news authenticity, such as using the CRAP test to assess currency, reliability, authority, and purpose of the content. The script also clarifies what does not constitute fake news and encourages viewers to be vigilant against misinformation.

Takeaways

• 📰 Fake news is not a new phenomenon, but the internet has made it easier to spread and create.
• 🌐 Before the internet, news was primarily obtained from newspapers, radio, or television, which had fewer sources and were more reputable.
• 📈 With the advent of the internet, anyone can post information on social media platforms, leading to an increase in the spread of false information.
• 🧐 Studies show that 75% of people who see fake news believe it to be real, highlighting the difficulty in discerning truth from deception.
• 🎭 Deep fakes use artificial intelligence to create convincing videos that can mislead viewers into thinking someone said or did something they did not.
• 💥 The impact of being duped by false information can have devastating effects on society, particularly in a democratic context.
• 🚫 Fake news is not simply news one disagrees with or finds unlikable; it is intentionally misleading content.
• 🤔 Recognizing fake news can be challenging, but it's crucial to be critical and question the information presented online.
• 🔍 The CRAP test (Currency, Relevance, Authority, Purpose) is a useful method for evaluating the credibility of online articles.
• 🔎 Investigate the author's credentials, the site's reputation, and the article's purpose to determine its reliability.
• 🕵️‍♂️ Use common sense and conduct further research if something seems off or too good to be true; this can help in identifying fake news.

Q & A

What is the term 'fake news' referring to in the script?

The term 'fake news' in the script refers to news stories or hoaxes that are created to deliberately misinform or deceive people.

Why has the internet made the spread of fake news easier?

The internet has made the spread of fake news easier because it allows anyone to post information on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, and with so much information coming from various sources, it's easy for people to be misled.

What percentage of people who see fake news believe it to be real, according to the script?

According to the script, studies show that 75% of people who see fake news think it's real news.

What is a 'deep fake' video as mentioned in the script?

A 'deep fake' video is one that uses artificial intelligence to make it appear as if someone is saying or doing something they never actually did, which can be used to spread misinformation.

Why is it important to be able to recognize and stop the spread of fake news?

It's important to recognize and stop the spread of fake news because being duped by false information can have devastating effects on society, especially in a democracy.

What is the 'CRAP test' mentioned in the script, and how can it help in identifying fake news?

The 'CRAP test' is a method to critically assess information: Check if the article is current, determine if the site is reputable, find out who the author is, and understand the purpose or point of view of the article. It helps in identifying fake news by evaluating the credibility and reliability of the source and content.

What are some common characteristics of fake news according to the script?

Fake news is characterized by being created to misinform or deceive, often looking like verified news sources, and can be difficult to distinguish from real news, especially when it uses techniques like deep fakes.

How can people protect themselves from falling for fake news?

People can protect themselves from fake news by being critical of what they see online, using the CRAP test to evaluate information, and applying common sense to question and research dubious claims.

What are some examples of what fake news is not, as clarified in the script?

Fake news is not simply news you don't like or disagree with, nor is it parody or opinion pieces on news sites, or honest mistakes made in reporting.

What advice does the script give on how to respond to encountering fake news?

The script advises not to make, share, or like fake news, to be vigilant against clickbait, and to call out fake news when encountered.

What role does artificial intelligence play in the creation of fake news, as discussed in the script?

Artificial intelligence plays a role in the creation of fake news by enabling the production of deep fake videos, which can convincingly depict people saying or doing things they never did, thus spreading misinformation.