The Science of Fake News

Publication date: 
03/2018
Authors: 
David Lazer
Matthew A. Baum
Yochai Benkler
Adam J. Berinsky
Kelly M. Greenhill
Filippo Menczer
Miriam J. Metzger
Brendan Nyhan
Gordon Pennycook
David Rothschild
Michael Schudson
Steven A. Sloman
Cass R. Sunstein
Emily A. Thorson
Duncan J. Watts
Jonathan L. Zittrain
The Science of Fake News

The rise of fake news highlights the erosion of long-standing institutional bulwarks against misinformation in the internet age. Concern over the problem is global. However, much remains unknown regarding the vulnerabilities of individuals, institutions, and society to manipulations by malicious actors. A new system of safeguards is needed. Below, we discuss extant social and computer science research regarding belief in fake news and the mechanisms by which it spreads. Fake news has a long history, but we focus on unanswered scientific questions raised by the proliferation of its most recent, politically oriented incarnation. Beyond selected references in the text, suggested further reading can be found in the supplementary materials.

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