Disinformation spurred by fake news stories on social media is a problem few can afford to ignore. The recent American presidential election and the myriad fake news stories that influenced public opinion is evidence of the gravity of the problem. Facebook, one of the world’s largest social media networks, is finally getting serious about this problem. The platform will now flag stories that have been disputed and label them as such.
Facebook’s decision to combat fake news is a tacit admission that the social media company has a responsibility in how information is shared and consumed. It is additional proof that strong media organisations such as this newspaper are needed now more than ever. The proliferation of smartphones has facilitated a fast-moving media environment in which speed can be as important as accuracy in the minds of many. As the print media and reliable organisations continue to demonstrate, accuracy in reporting is the best antidote for disinformation.
