Beware of fake news fatigue

Despite its pertinence and prevalence, the term fake news is also one that seems to have 

garnered some fatigue. This is not to say that fake news isn’t real, or the impact of such is blown out of proportion; while this catch-all term for misinformation and disinformation is very much a reality in today’s media, I think (and feel myself) there is a level of politically-induced disillusion with it.

In Anthony Adornato’s definition, fake news is content that intentionally distorts or misuses facts, whether outright lying or taking information and data out of context. I agree with this definition, but I think that it is also shallow. In a changing media landscape, especially as social media evolves, I think this definition leaves room to make fake news what it has become– something that, while extant, can also be easily manipulated itself to fit whichever silo is using it. As pointed out in Mobile and Social Media Journalism, Donald Trump may have normalized the use (and misuse) of the term fake news, but it’s opened a Pandora’s box of anything-goes regardless of political party. There is a line that has been blurred between what is blatantly untrue and what is just unpleasant.

As Adornato expands on the definition, I see how important it is to specify purpose. I think that is what a lot of fake news accusations are lacking, and that is a great contributor to how confirmation bias has been embraced in journalism and by the media. Examining the exact intentionality of fake news is an important step in combatting the spread of fake news while also repairing the public’s attitude towards journalism, and even journalist’s attitudes towards the public. Looking at intentionality forces a level of transparency in journalism and allows the fight against misinformation and disinformation to be more targeted and focused, rather than this giant boogeyman it has become.

Fighting fake news

There is no one person or industry that can, or is responsible for, fighting fake news. There are dubious reasons tech companies and journalists won’t fight against it, like profit motives and engagement, but there are also very real barriers. The same algorithms used to fight against fake news are also what can be used to deploy it at a rapid rate. Especially with the rise of AI, we are in a sort of technological rat race, using extremely similar technology to both promote and dismantle truth.

While AI and algorithmic solutions are undeniably important – we simply can’t keep up with the speed and levels of dissemination – I think we also need to hone in on basic media literacy skills. It’s similar to my view of fake news: specificity is key. Arming individuals and communities with the right tools to sift through vast amounts of information is crucial, and puts power back in the hands of citizens.

Media literacy and viewing journalism through a skeptic lens is not necessarily a bad thing. There should be trust in the media, but I also think this pressure forces a level of excellence in journalism that has been lost. All of these facets of the issues essentially work in tandem, and it’s about stopping each “leak” no matter how big or small.