Fake news websites target United States audiences by using disinformation to create or inflame controversial topics such as the 2016 election.[1][2] Most fake news websites target readers by impersonating or pretending to be real news organizations, which can lead to legitimate news organizations further spreading their message.[3] Most notable in the media are the many websites that made completely false claims about political candidates such as Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump,[4] as part of a larger campaign to gain viewers and ad revenue or spread disinformation.[5] Additionally, satire websites have received criticism for not properly notifying readers that they are publishing false or satirical content, since many readers have been duped by seemingly legitimate articles.[6][7]
- ^ Murphy, Paul P.; Mezzofiore, Gianluca (February 22, 2018). "How the Florida school shooting conspiracies sprouted and spread". CNN. Retrieved April 13, 2018.
- ^ Gillin, Joshua (April 20, 2017). "PolitiFact's guide to fake news websites and what they peddle". PunditFact. Retrieved September 12, 2020.
- ^ Wendling, Mike (December 2, 2016). "'Pizzagate': The fake story that shows how conspiracy theories spread". BBC News. Retrieved April 13, 2018.
- ^ Bump, Philip (April 2, 2016). "The pro-Trump fake news website that's finding an audience — with Trump's help". The Washington Post.
- ^ Higgins, Andrew; McIntire, Mike; Dance, Gabriel J. X. (November 25, 2016). "Inside a Fake News Sausage Factory: 'This Is All About Income'". The New York Times.
- ^ Rensin, Emmett (June 5, 2014). "The Great Satirical-News Scam of 2014". The New Republic. Retrieved September 12, 2020.
- ^ Funke, Daniel (November 30, 2017). "A satirical fake news site apologized for making a story too real". Poynter. Retrieved April 18, 2018.