Fake news is a term used to describe deliberate misinformation or hoaxes spread via traditional news media and online social platforms. The term became widely used during the 2016 U.S. presidential election, when false or misleading stories were circulated about the candidates. Fake news is often created to generate clickbait content or to spread political propaganda. It can be difficult to distinguish fake news from accurate reporting, and the line between the two can sometimes be blurry. There are a few things to look out for that may indicate whether a story is fake news. These include: sensationalist or exaggerated headlines, unverified claims or sources, biased or slanted reporting, and fake quotes or photos. If you come across a story that you think might be fake news, take some time to do some research before sharing it. Check other reputable news sources to see if they are reporting on the same story. If they aren’t, that’s a red flag. You can also try searching for key phrases from the article on Google or other search engines. This can help you find other articles that have been published about the same topic. Remember, just because something is posted online doesn’t mean it’s true! Be a critical thinker and don’t believe everything you read.
