Definition
Fake News is false or misleading information presented as news. It often has the aim of damaging the reputation of a person or entity, or making money through advertising revenue.
Why It Matters
Signal pollution is an existential threat to democratic decision-making. When the “cost of truth” becomes too high, individuals retreat into tribal echo chambers, making collective action on complex issues (like climate change or pandemics) nearly impossible. Understanding the mechanics of fake news is not just about media literacy; it is about defending the cognitive infrastructure of society.
Core Concepts
- Disinformation: Intentionally false information spread to deceive.
- Misinformation: False information spread regardless of intent to deceive.
- Echo Chambers: Environments where a person only encounters information or opinions that reflect and reinforce their own (Confirmation Bias).