This paper argues for a selective definition of the rapidly evolving term "fake news". The author argues that the term should be reserved for cases where false or misleading claims are done deliberately by 'design' and intent to mislead. The paper looks into the 'design' which refers to the systemic features of fake news and whether it helps pinpoint the conditions for the recent rise of fake news.
Highlights:
- While academic and other discussions in the media have been plenty on the rise of fake news, there is yet to be a clear definition of the term given its varied nature. The paper argues that fake news is best defined as the deliberate presentation of false or misleading claims.
- The paper finds that the design of the spread of fake news lies in the systemic features of the process of news production and dissemination.
- The author says fake news should be defined as a species of disinformation. The propagators of fake news employ strategies of increasing belief and dissemination of fake news by manipulating consumers' pre-existing cognitive biases and heuristics.
- The main purpose of such false stories is to feed off our cognitives biases in order to ensure its own continued production and reproduction.