Remembering
List the main points of the Fake News article in order.
Responses will vary.
What would happen if nothing is really done to address the fake news phenomenon?
People would learn to distrust all media or would be fooled and change their opinions based upon lies.
What would the result be if Macedonians doubled their efforts prior to the 2020 election?
It is possible that again voters would be swayed to vote a different way.
What explanation do you have for how easy it is for fake news to spread?
Many people are not reading content, are too quick to share links, are fooled by outlandish headlines.
What was used to evaluate the impact of fake news on the 2016 election?
FBI, CIA, Special Council
What do you remember about Mikhail?
He is one of the primary producers of fake news, uses the fake name "Jessica," has made a lot of money from producing fake news, employs a large number of people, etc.
What is the main idea of the "Proud Authority" section of the article?
People in positions of authority in Macedonia tend to look the other way when citizens produce fake news, even though they may claim that they are "looking into it".
Why does fake news work?
People are bombarded with information. Often, when a link is shared with them, they simply see an outlandish headline and do not read the article. They then share the link with others, causing even more people to be fooled.
How is fake news connected to our discussion about whether or not technology helps or hurts us?
Clearly, this has become a phenomenon that has not been stopped and could impact our elections, our society, and our level of trust in all media.
Rank the importance of knowing about fake news, being able to accurately define it for those who are unaware of it, and being able to identify examples of fake news.
1. Knowing about fake news.
2. Being able to identify examples of fake news.
3. Being able to define it for others.
How would you recognize fake news?
It may not look professional, I may not have heard of the news outlet, the URL may be suspect, there will not be a legitimate "About Us" section with contact information for executives, I would not be able to do a search for the author and validate his credentials, I would not be able to identify a central message in the article, there may be spelling and grammar errors, I would not be able to find other articles that validate the one in question, and I may not find information in the article on Factcheck.org
What can you infer from the "Companies Cracking Down" section of the article?
Different media producers are feeling the public outcry to end this problem.
How would you solve the fake news problem?
I could encourage others to read this article, I could refuse to share links without reading content, etc.
What is the problem with the efforts that Facebook has taken to try to slow down fake news?
Fake news producers are buying the Facebook accounts of kids and posing as them.
What choice would you have made if you lived in Macedonia and you were offered a job to create fake news?
Answers will vary.
How would you define Fake News?
Fake news (also known as junk news, pseudo-news, or hoax news) is a type of yellow journalism or propaganda that consists of deliberate disinformation or hoaxes spread via traditional news media (print and broadcast) or online social media.
How would you differentiate between fake news and legitimate news?
Fake: It may not look professional, I may not have heard of the news outlet, the URL may be suspect, there will not be a legitimate "About Us" section with contact information for executives, I would not be able to do a search for the author and validate his credentials, I would not be able to identify a central message in the article, there may be spelling and grammar errors, I would not be able to find other articles that validate the one in question, and I may not find information in the article on Factcheck.org
Real: The opposite
How would you alter social media to increase the odds that links on it are legitimate?
Perhaps, social media platforms could have a division of their company dedicated to validating all information shared on their platforms.
Why do you think Mr. Trump often claims that the media are all nothing more than fake news?
To sow doubt in the minds of a public that already is distrusting of media
What is your opinion of Mikhail?
Answers will vary
Describe what happens when people share articles on social media without actually reading them.
Bad information can spread and impact a large number of peoples' perspectives.
How would you describe Facebook's response to pressure to end the fake news phenomenon?
They seem to be acting like they care but may not.
How would you present the notion that fake news impacted the 2016 election to someone else?
I would present valid, verified articles and sources to support my argument.
How would you explain the concept of fake news to your little brother or little sister (someone who does not understand it or does not really know much about it)?
Answers will vary
What is the most important lesson to be learned from the article?
Answers will vary.