Reference no: EM133190669

Fake news has received renewed attention as a major issue in our digitally connected world. In a research course, we discuss content validity, the ethical principles of psychologists and the established code of conduct. All of which was created to protect the participants in our studies and the audiences who will consume the analyzed data. Who is checking the internet and information presented as news?

To help us better deal with the complexities of information in the digital age, watch this short video on Spotting Fake News from FactCheck website.

Video Name: How to Spot Fake News - FactCheck

Who are some of the people/organizations behind fake news? What would make a person or organization want to create a fake news story?

This Eastern European teenager says he's just giving people what they want and making a lot more than the average yearly income of $5,000 in his hometown.

Take a look at this NBC News story: Fake news: How a partying Macedonian teen earns thousands publishing lies

Fake news presents yet another way for cyber criminals to launch phishing, malware and other attacks, much like email and instant messaging have served as delivery mechanisms for

these threats over the years. The uptick in misinformation and all the ways perpetrators expand its influence exposes just how vulnerable all of our security solutions are to the influence

of compromised data and users. What makes fake news content so worrisome from a security and privacy standpoint is that social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter can help spread viewership of such content extremely quickly. Companies such as Facebook and Google are taking steps to address the issue of fake news content, but the problem is pervasive and the security threats are real.

Take a look at this video and see just how far reaching fake news has and is expected to go.

Video Name: Fake news is about to get much worse. Here's a solution. Aviv Ovadya by TEDxMileHigh

Fake news represents a different way of manipulating data to undermine security.

What happens when fake news spreads? What actions can you take to verify news stories, photographs and other sources of online information? Fake news is no longer a matter of the occasional hoax. There is growing evidence that fake news has the power to shape public opinion and even sway elections.

As more Americans get their news online, it is increasingly vital that students know how to verify sources and spot fake news or images, which often appear indistinguishable from a reliable source.

Directions:

1. Respond to the following questions:

A. Who has primary responsibility for managing fake news and its consequences (i.e., social media companies, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Snapchat; everyday citizens; government authorities; or others)?

B. What can companies like Facebook and Snapchat do to stop users from spreading fake news?

C. What can the everyday citizen do?