The spread of misinformation has become a pervasive and worrisome problem. Increasingly, politicians, social media platforms, and organizations with agendas are boosting misleading information, making it all too easy for people to fall for fake news. Why do people fall for fake news? In society today, we’re feeling unsettled by doubts about the economy, the government, and the gap between the elite and the rest of the population. In these spaces, misinformation can grow. And as we get more of our news online, it’s even easier to be steered away from evidence-based information. How can we talk to friends and family about fake news? Everyone knows someone who believes in something false—but it is possible to shift their thinking. 1. Resist the urge to argue—but don’t completely disengage. When friends or family express an opinion different from yours, don’t tell them they’re wrong. This often exacerbates the situation, putting the oth...
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