This piece is part of a micro-campaign aimed at raising awareness about the growing issue of online disinformation. It was a joint effort of the Polish Association for Security, and the NATO DEEP Academy, supported by the Institute for Research and Social Education Foundation and the Institute of Journalism and Social Communications of the University of Warmia and Mazury.
Not everything you read online is true. Fake news has become a powerful tool for spreading misinformation, manipulating opinions, and even influencing elections.
The term gained widespread attention during the 2016 U.S. presidential election, where it was used both as a propaganda tool and as a way to discredit legitimate information. Today, fake news continues to shape public perception in politics, business, and beyond.
How Is Fake News Spread?
– Fake social media accounts introducing false stories into circulation
– Clickbait headlines designed to mislead and provoke emotional reactions
– Entire websites created to push misinformation as legitimate news
– Users unknowingly sharing false content that aligns with their beliefs
While social media platforms and NGOs work to combat fake news, it remains a major challenge. The best defence? Learn to spot misinformation before it spreads.
Want to know more? Check out the infographic below for key insights on identifying and fighting fake news.
