Follow the Money!
In this podcast, Planet Money investigates the economics behind creating hoax news stories.
The influx of hoax news shared on social media has been brought to the national spotlight. While promoting hoax news has been around for quite some time (see this article on England demoralizing the Nazi troops with false radio broadcasts), the internet has created an abundance of realistic sites promoting false or misleading articles.
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The influx of hoax news shared on social media has been brought to the national spotlight. While promoting hoax news has been around for quite some time (see this article on England demoralizing the Nazi troops with false radio broadcasts), the internet has created an abundance of realistic sites promoting false or misleading articles.
Examples of Information Types
Hoax News
Deliberately false, misleading stories presented as factual information
Hoax news headlines fool American Adults about 75% of the time*
*According to an Ipsos survey https://tinyurl.com/y9fvex3n
Satire
In which topical issues, folly, or evil are held up to scorn by means of ridicule and irony.
The Onion is an example of news satire
Propaganda
A communication deliberately designed by one group to influence the attitudes and behaviors of others
Appeals to emotional and irrational aspects of our sensibility
Opinion
A view, judgement, or appraisal formed in the mind about a particular matter
Might be labeled Op-Ed in newspapers or online sites
Advertising
To call attention to product/services by emphasizing desireable qualities so audience will buy or patronize
Might be labeled as Sponsored Content
News
Information about recent events or happenings, presented without commentary
Does not stand for Notable Events, Weather, and Sports
Bottom Line
Information shouldn't try to persuade you or appeal to your emotions. News is not commentary. No opinion should be offered when presenting it.