The planting of messages and countering narratives in the media is not new. It's part and parcel of contemporary politics especially during elections. The internet simply makes an old problem worse.
It's vital that the problems at the South African Broadcasting Corporation be fixed in the public interest and for democracy, given its wide media reach in the country.
The reporting of crackpot theories as news by mainstream news outlets only damages the credibility of the media and science, and undermines public trust in both.
Lyn Snodgrass, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
Unrestricted access to information is vital to a vibrant democracy.But if this information is inaccurate, biased or falsified, the fundamental freedom of informed choice is denied.
The issues of accessibility, communication and connection are especially relevant when it comes to understanding why so many people vent their spleen on social media.
Since the 19th century academic librarians have helped students navigate the complex world of information. In today's unpredictable information environment, how might they rethink their role?
Bald-faced lies are fairly rare in Australian politics but, in 2016, weasel-words and cherry-picking were common. Politicians and public figures are experts at disguising opinion and ideology as fact.
Researcher who has studied online news for 20 years says people fall for fake news because they don't value journalistic sources and consider themselves and their friends as credible news sources.
Researchers have found that today's students, despite being 'digital natives,' have a hard time distinguishing what is real and what is fake online. Metaliteracy might provide the answers.
People who read false news items come to believe them – even if they know better. It doesn't help to know the source is unreliable or the report has been debunked.
If the site is increasingly where people are getting their news, what could the company do without taking up the mantle of being a final arbiter of truth?
How can journalists resist a master media manipulator, reach local communities and sift through fake news and propaganda? Media experts explore the challenges of covering the next administration.