Fake News: Fact & Fiction - Episode 5: Why do people share fake news?

Summary

In this BBC Learning English episode, Hugo and Sam explore the reasons people share fake news, featuring insights from researcher Samantha Bradshaw. The discussion covers key concepts like identity signalling, where people share fake news to align with a group's values rather than its truth, and how emotional appeal, like anger or fear, drives sharing. They also explain how social media algorithms amplify these trends by recommending content based on user behavior. The episode highlights the hidden agendas and motives behind fake news, urging viewers to be more mindful of the content they engage with.

Takeaways

• 😀 People share fake news for various reasons, including emotional appeal, humor, or to fit in with a particular community.
• 😀 Identity signalling is when people share fake news to demonstrate their alignment with certain values, rather than because the information is true.
• 😀 The word 'agenda' can refer to both a formal list of topics and a hidden or secret objective behind someone's actions.
• 😀 'Actor' in the context of fake news refers to individuals or groups, including governments, with political or economic motives who influence public opinion.
• 😀 A 'bad actor' refers to someone who uses power or influence dishonestly to promote a hidden agenda.
• 😀 The 'motive' behind spreading fake news is often not transparent, and those spreading it might not believe it, but do so for financial, political, or other reasons.
• 😀 Fake news tends to generate strong emotional reactions, such as anger or fear, which makes it more likely to be shared and go viral.
• 😀 Algorithms on social media platforms are designed to recommend content based on users' online behavior, increasing engagement and ad revenue for companies.
• 😀 Emotions like anger and fear are stronger than emotions like happiness or joy, which is why fake news often spreads more easily than factual content.
• 😀 Algorithms create personalized content feeds, reinforcing users' existing views and sometimes making them feel that everyone shares their opinions.
• 😀 Understanding different viewpoints and avoiding the echo chamber effect of personalized algorithms is essential to gaining a broader perspective on issues.

Q & A

What is identity signalling, and how does it relate to the spread of fake news?

Identity signalling refers to the behavior of sharing content online to express or reinforce one's alignment with a particular group or ideology, rather than focusing on the truthfulness of the content. It plays a significant role in the spread of fake news, as people may share false stories to signal shared values or beliefs with a community, regardless of whether the content is true.

How do fake news creators use emotional content to their advantage?

Fake news creators often use emotional language to elicit strong reactions like anger, outrage, or fear from the audience. These emotions are more likely to prompt people to share the content, making it go viral. This emotional appeal is a key strategy to increase engagement and spread disinformation.

What role do algorithms play in the spread of fake news on social media platforms?

Algorithms on social media platforms personalize content based on users' past behaviors and preferences, recommending videos or articles that align with their interests. This can amplify the spread of fake news, as the more a user engages with certain types of content, the more similar content the algorithm will suggest, reinforcing the cycle of disinformation.

Why is it that emotions like anger and fear are more effective at spreading fake news than emotions like happiness?

Emotions such as anger, fear, and outrage tend to provoke stronger reactions than emotions like happiness or joy. These intense feelings drive people to share content more rapidly, contributing to the viral nature of fake news. This is why disinformation stories that evoke these emotions are more successful in spreading.

What is an 'agenda' in the context of fake news, and how does it affect content sharing?

In the context of fake news, an 'agenda' refers to the set of objectives or hidden motives behind the creation and distribution of false content. Individuals, organizations, or governments with an agenda may spread disinformation to achieve political, social, or economic goals. The agenda can be either overt or covert, influencing the type of content people share.

What is the difference between a 'bad actor' and a regular 'actor' in the context of disinformation?

A 'bad actor' refers to individuals or groups that use their power or influence in dishonest ways to promote a hidden agenda, often through disinformation or manipulation. In contrast, a regular 'actor' in this context refers to any person or group that has a political, economic, or social agenda and uses their influence to promote it, but not necessarily through dishonest means.

What are the possible motives behind the spread of fake news, according to the program?

The motives behind spreading fake news can vary. Some people may share fake content for financial gain, while others might have a political, social, or ideological agenda. In some cases, the motives may not be clear, and individuals may share content simply to provoke strong reactions or to signal their identity within a particular group.

Why might people accidentally share fake news, even when they know it's false?

People might accidentally share fake news because it may appeal to their emotions or interests. They might find the content humorous, shocking, or outrage-inducing, and feel compelled to share it with their social circle, not realizing the content is false or misleading. In some cases, people may also be unaware that the information they share is fake.

How does the concept of 'motive' apply to the spread of fake news on the internet?

The concept of 'motive' refers to the underlying reason why someone shares or creates fake news. Often, these motives are not transparent, and the true reason behind the actions may be hidden. For example, an individual might share fake news to manipulate public opinion, to promote an agenda, or simply to provoke a reaction, without a genuine concern for the truth.

What advice does the program give to avoid falling into echo chambers created by algorithms on social media?

The program advises users to seek out diverse perspectives and try to engage with content that challenges their views. This helps prevent the formation of echo chambers, where individuals are exposed only to information that aligns with their existing beliefs. Broadening one's viewpoint can help mitigate the effect of personalized algorithms that reinforce narrow perspectives.