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Misinformation and disinformation are not a new phenomenon. The production, dissemination and sharing of verifiably false and (in the case of disinformation) intentionally misleading content, usually for political or commercial purposes, have always existed. The difference today is that new digital technologies have made it much easier, quicker and more effective to spread fake news. It can now travel the world in the blink of an eye.
Scholars have known for decades that people tend to search for and consume information that confirms what they already believe to be true. Today’s computer algorithms make it possible to instantly reshape the thoughts and perceptions of millions of people. Repeated exposure to false statements can lead people to believe wholly fabricated falsehoods.
Fake news is in the spotlight because of its role in today’s politics. But the business world and the field of economics have also been affected. Identifying fake news is made harder by the fact that it is rapidly becoming an industry all of its own. This critical situation has prompted academics to issue a call to arms, urging internet and social media platforms to work with scholars to evaluate the problem and find soultions. But it is easier said than done.
In this edition of the Library Newsletter we offer a selection of resources available on fake news and how to detect it. Only by using reputable news sources and making the effort to fact-check information can we work toward achieving a more reliable news environment. And remember: good business decisions are always based on good information – which means information that is factual, unbiased and broad-based.
1. Books and Articles about Fake News
Discovery
Books and articles on fake news.
Use the facets on the left to limit by Subject or by Document type (Academic journal).
IESE Insight
Articles published by IESE Professors on fake news.
Factiva
News on the fake news phenomenon in corporate and industry.
PsychArticles
Academic articles on misinformation from the psychological point of view.
WARC
Articles, research papers, news and opinions about how fake news affect brands and marketing.
2. Statistics on Fake News Worldwide
– Fake News Worldwide. Statistics & Facts
– Statista Dossier. Fact News Worldwide
3. Reports on Technology to Detect Fake News
Gartner
(You must keep Gartner database open to download the full Gartner reports).
– Top 10 Strategic Technology Trends for 2020: Transparency and Traceability
– How to Detect Fakes in a Zero-Trust World Using Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain
4. Case Studies about Fake News
– Digital Misinformation: Phenomenon Flourishes Online and Regulators Are Acting Worldwide. 26 Feb 2021
– Social Media during Pandemic: Increased Traffic and Misinformation, but a Vital Communication Tool. 01 Jun 2020
5. International Organizations and Misinformation
EU. Shaping Europe’s digital future
The Commission is tackling the spread of online disinformation and misinformation to ensure the protection of European values and democratic systems.
– Disinformation: A Threat to Democracy – Brochure
– Code of Practice on Disinformation
– Report of the Independent High Level Expert Group on Fake News and Online Disinformation
European Digital Media Observatory
IFLA. Infographics on How to Spot Fake News
UNESCO. Journalism, ‘Fake News’ and Disinformation: A Handbook for Journalism Education and Training
First Draft’s Essential Guide to Understanding Information Disorder
6. Organizations Studying Disinformation
Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society
Poynter. Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) Code of Principles
7. Fact-Checking Sites
Duke Reporter’s Lab
Database of global fact-checking sites. You can use the map to explore sites around the world.
EDMO Map. Fact-checking activities.
Comprehensive “map” of fact checking initiatives in the EU (and in the UK).
Newsguard
Traditionally a subscriber-based website, HealthGuard is free to use during the COVID-19 emergency.
8. News Bias Comparators
AllSides
Provides balanced news from resources on the left, center, and right of the political spectrum, all contained on one page for easy comparison.
FAIR
US media watchdog group, FAIR specializes in critiquing media bias and censorship, with an emphasis on promoting diverse, dissenting media viewpoints.
9. Detecting Fake Images
Google Images
Search Google with an image instead of text.
InVid
Knowledge verification platform that helps detect emerging stories and assess the reliability of newsworthy video files and content spread via social media.
TinEye
Reverse Image Search – helps to find where images appear online.