Fake News: Fact and Fiction

What was the origin of the term 'fake' as discussed in the text?

In what context did fake news gain prominence during the 2016 US election campaign?

What is one way in which fake news creators aim to profit, as mentioned in the text?

How is the term 'viral' discussed in relation to information in the text?

What challenge does the text highlight regarding truth and fiction in the era of social media?

Who does the text emphasize as important in combating fake news?

Which event was highlighted as a critical period for fake news during the text?

"Fake News: Fact and Fiction" from BBC Learning English discusses the concept of fake news, its origins, dangers, and how to develop critical thinking skills to detect fake news.
The term "fake" originated in the late 18th century in London as slang among criminals, referring to things that are not real or genuine but designed to appear as such.
Fake news gained prominence during the 2016 US election campaign, with both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump using the term to describe false stories circulated on social media for profit.
Fake news involves inventing sensationalized stories for monetary gain through advertising, spreading rapidly online due to the ease of sharing misinformation on social media platforms.
The term "viral" was discussed in relation to how information spreads quickly across the internet, similar to how a virus spreads rapidly in the medical field.
The discussion on fake news highlights the challenge of distinguishing truth from fiction in the era of social media, where misinformation can be disseminated quickly by anonymous sources.
The text emphasizes the importance of media organizations, social media platforms, and individuals in combating fake news and promoting accurate information dissemination.

Explore the concept of fake news, its history, impact, and strategies for developing critical thinking skills to identify misinformation. Learn about the origins of fake news, its prevalence in modern society, and the role of media organizations, social media platforms, and individuals in combating false information.