US researchers have found that our “limited attention” spans and the sheer “information overload” on social media are leading to the spread of false information.
The Indiana University study looked at the popularity of memes shared on the Internet and discovered that fake news and hoaxes (low-quality information) are shared at the same rates as real new (high-quality information).
And it can be harmful. A recent Australian Strategic Policy Institute report said that fake news on the Internet and social media was an “unprecedented threat” to our government systems. Already in Europe and the US it has been linked to interference in political elections.
So can anything be done to stop its spread?
Sharing ‘real’ news
The scientists did find that it was possible to have a social media marketplace where both real and varied information could be shared – but it’s going to take some work on our part.
They say that curbing the use of ‘bots’ – computer programs that run automated tasks over the Internet – that spread fake news on social media is one step that would help.
Researchers in another recent study also recommend that if news consumers are unsure about a claim, they should check a professional fact-checking website for more information. They add that we need to be more mindful about the source of news stories too.
In short, don’t rely on Facebook for your news.
