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The Rise of Fake News on Social Media Platforms

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Technological advancement has opened the door to new digital media channels or platforms such as social media, podcasts and videos and streaming services, allowing media consumers to experience innovative and more engaging ways to consume content….





The media landscape is undergoing remarkable changes driven by advancements in Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), thus affecting news and information distribution methods.

These changes have altered consumer behavior on news and information consumption as well as the strategies media companies are using to be competitive in this evolving world.

An important factor in this transformation has been the swift progress of digital technologies. The shift from the traditional media outlets to digital platforms has altered the manner in which news and information or content is created, distributed and consumed.

With the rise of high speed internet, smart phones, tablets and modern personal computers, media companies now have the capacity to engage a wider audience, a global one, transcending geographical barriers.

This technological advancement has opened the door to new digital media channels or platforms such as social media, podcasts and videos and streaming services, allowing media consumers to experience innovative ways to consume content.

Social media platforms, in particular, have transformed how content is created and consumed. Facebook, X, instagram, YouTube and TikTok have given media audience the opportunity not only to consume content but also to create and share their own content to other media users, amplifying and stimulating more interaction among media users.

But what are the challenges involved in this modern digital platforms where media consumers are at the same time content creators themselves?

The significant rise of misinformation or fake news on social media platforms has posed as a remarkable challenge. The way news and information are swiftly shared among media users on social media channels and websites has most often facilitated the dissemination of false information.

With the capacity to interact and share information in real time without even verifying the veracity of such information, the ability of social media sites to rapidly amplify the spread of false information due to algorithmic prioritization of engagement over accuracy, together with the global growth of smartphone users have made it possible for the uncontrolled dissemination of fake news, which effects are devastating for individuals and societies in general.

As it distorts public opinion, can influence political outcomes, ruin individual reputation or can negatively impact the mental health of media users, efforts to stop fake news or misinformation should be done to prevent its rapid dissemination on social media. These efforts should be done in both levels, individually and collectively. The promotion of media literacy among media users should be encouraged to prevent this critical issue and social media platforms should take appropriate actions to prevent the spread of misinformation.

As a conclusion, advancements in ICTs have influenced the way media companies deliver content to media users. Media companies now have the capacity to deliver content to a global audience and to use media platforms that allow media users not only to consume content but also to be content creators themselves.

However, with the rise of social media platforms and the rapidity in which content is created and disseminated due to algorithmic prioritization of engagement over accuracy gave rise to uncontrolled spread of misinformation or fake news. This is a critical challenge that should be addressed at all levels, both individually and collectively.



Web References: 

American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Social Media and the Internet. American Psychological Association. 

Davis, Jenny L. (2016, January). Social Media. ResearchGate

Micich, A. & Cross, R.J. (n.d.) How Misinformation on Social Media has Changed News. U.S. PIRG.

SWGFL. (n.d.). Misinformation on Social Media - Guidance, Impact and Support. SWGFL.


 


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