How big of a problem is fake news, what can we do?

Question

I&rsquo;m working on a mobile video platform that&rsquo;s focused on taking YouTube style broadcast and turning it into something a lot more social. Part of the advantage is greater social verification and less filter bubbles / echo chambers.My questions are: 1) how big of an issue is this today? Can we really not distinguish truth for ourselves? Do you see this as an issue that primarily effects fringe users / edge cases or everyone? Or do you think the main issue is that it moves the Overton window? Or something else entirely?2) what are some of the solutions you can think of?3) what makes an environment conducive to fake news?

blackflame · Accepted Answer

The biggest problem today is opinion masquerading as news. If one party calls people fact witnesses that witnessed nothing and provided no facts I think you can begin to figure out who&rsquo;s misleading you

accrual · Answer

> Can we really not distinguish truth for ourselves?This is a key issue. Some take news at face value, never question it, and don't hesitate to spread it. Tackling this in a tangible way would be significant.

1e10 · Answer

Improve practical and critical thinking skills.

arthev · Answer

2) just stop reading news

How big of a problem is fake news, what can we do?

The biggest problem today is opinion masquerading as news. If one party calls people fact witnesses that witnessed nothing and provided no facts I think you can begin to figure out who’s misleading you

> Can we really not distinguish truth for ourselves?
This is a key issue. Some take news at face value, never question it, and don't hesitate to spread it. Tackling this in a tangible way would be significant.

Improve practical and critical thinking skills.

2) just stop reading news