This paper studies and explores the techniques and methods used by actor who spread fake news and manipulate public opinion to serve their selfish motives ranging from the personal, financial to political. It also looks into the three points of the fake news triangle: the services that enable them, social media and the motivation behind spreading fake news. The paper demonstrates several techniques used to identify fake news campaigns and discusses how social media and the public can counter fake news.
Highlights:
- The paper highlights how social media has very strong effects on the real world and that information shared online lacks objectivity. Lies which play on the lesser, baser instincts of the audience are able to spread faster now.
- A combination of the internet and applying public manipulation theory has been found to be remarkably effective revealed the study. Politicians, businesses and individuals now have to use the internet to improve their reputation and learn techniques to counter maligning information about them from opposing parties.
- Social media platforms are facing the challenge of trying various techniques in order to curb the spread of misinformation. However, the norms of what is or isn't permissible on social media is yet to be decided on. At some point, as a society there has be some form of agreement on what can be done.
- The ultimate burden lies on the audience in being capable of differentiating between fake and real news. This resistance can only be built by raising more awareness about techniques to counter fake news.