A rise in fake news published all over the internet…read all about it!
Here at STANDBY, we’ve recently noticed the number of fake news stories being published online and the speed with which these pieces can spread to users worldwide. Whilst it’s perhaps incorrect to label this as a ‘recent dilemma’, many agree this is an topic that people need to be made aware of. News has been always invented by those few wanting to create a reaction amongst the many.
However over the past few months, there has been a considerable rise in hoax articles and films published online, more specifically, on Facebook. In fact, there have been multiple claims and attacks on how Facebook’s lenient control over fake political posts actually swayed voter opinions in the recent Presidential Election. As a result of these criticisms, Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook’s founder, has had no choice but to try and start implementing more scrupulous checks on all information posted henceforth.
What is even more interesting is that film production companies have been found to be guilty on this front too. It was difficult, for example, not to believe the film of the female snowboarder being chased down a mountain by a polar bear. This film attracted millions of views and shares, convincing us all that it was legitimate. After many months on, it was revealed that this was a hoax story created by an Australian film production company.
So why did they do this? Well, along with a few other films they created, this company saw it as a social experiment to see what types of videos prove to be the most successful and entertaining online. This appears to have become quite a popular method of research nowadays, as well as an effective form of viral marketing. Advertisers, understanding the incredible power of film, are becoming more savvy in how they utilise this content, hoaxing general audiences in the search for more clicks and hits.
At STANDBY, we think it’s important to be aware that these hoax articles and films are out there, misinforming online users every day. You may not believe that the wool has been pulled over your eyes whilst reading an article or watching a film that’s gone viral but the chances you’ve been tricked once or twice are high. You can believe us on that one…
Photo by Seth Doyle