Fake news and disinformation has existed for centuries, but with the rise of social media it feels more prevalent than ever before. The media, famous politicians, great thinkers, and everyday Americans have knowingly and unknowingly helped spread fake news. Fake news can be anything from inaccurately edited pictures to news stories that are not truthful and that spread lies about people like politicians simply because the writer does not agree with them.
With fake news almost everywhere, our best defense is learning how to identify it and interrupting it before it spreads.
Learning more about the history of fake news and what it looks like today is key to preventing the spread of disinformation and keeping the information we consume truthful and accurate.
Want to learn more? This resource gives you an overview of the history of fake news.