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Fake news weaponization: When lies become a matter of opinion

Fake news is the derogatory term meant to discredit any opposing belief.

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Quantumrun Foresight
October 21, 2022

Insight summary

The misuse of "fake news" to dismiss conflicting viewpoints has intensified political polarization and eroded public trust in media. This manipulation has expanded beyond politics, influencing everything from COVID-19 discourse to financial markets, with sophisticated technologies enabling widespread distribution of false information. The response to this challenge involves both advanced monitoring tools for companies and increased regulatory measures, potentially affecting free speech and digital rights.

Fake news weaponization context

The term “fake news” is now associated with anything that contradicts a shared belief. In politics, “fake news” is weaponized against opposing views and critics, manipulating public opinion through inaccurate and misleading information. According to a joint study by Cornell University, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the term “fake news” has become politically charged owing to the growing polarization of society and declining trust in the news media.

In 2023, American trust in the media remained at a historically low level. A Gallup survey showed that the average confidence in US institutions, including the media, has fallen to 26 percent, which is one point down from 2022 and ten points lower than in 2020. This downward trend has been ongoing since a high of 48 percent in 1979.

Political parties around the world have used the slur of fake news as a weapon against their respective opposition by labeling any opposing viewpoint as fraud meant to deceive people. Additionally, there has been reported evidence of conservative politicians attacking the mainstream media globally. For the general public, the term “fake news” is often used to express their dissatisfaction with politics and the media. Experts believe the weaponization of fake news can only be addressed through improvements in how information is distributed or verified. However, fake news weaponization is not limited to politics; it has become an issue for most events, including the COVID-19 pandemic.

Disruptive impact

Organizations and politicians have used the negative sentiments associated with fake news to their advantage by amplifying the discontent and confusion that people feel. Public access to sophisticated technologies like machine learning, software bots that automate the generation and distribution of fake news, and natural language creation makes it simpler for individuals with little technical knowledge to create and disseminate fraudulent content on a large scale. Tactics include:

Social media bots that influence public opinion,
Sponsored online reviews that promote fraudulent product/service sales,
Tampered photos and videos that appear disconcertingly natural, and
Financial trading affected by incorrect information.

Such tools and tactics are now being used by nation-states, organized crime groups, companies, and even disgruntled customers to promote malicious agendas.

The ease and simplicity of fake news campaigns are worrying, but they’re also challenging to identify. Organized fake news campaigns have destroyed brand reputation through digital editing and even partnerships with social media influencers. Financial losses have also occurred as investors withdraw from targeted brands and companies.

According to the consultancy firm Deloitte, companies can no longer afford to sit back and just let fake news “die.” Businesses have to use advanced social media risk prediction tools to monitor digital media platforms and data sources continuously, like foreign language databases, in real-time to identify issues before they get out of hand. They also need to develop a crisis response plan that can explain to the public the motives behind the attack.

Implications of fake news weaponization

Wider implications of fake news weaponization may include:

Companies hiring disinformation-as-a-service providers to discredit rival brands. Conversely, companies may also hire ethical disinformation-as-a-service providers as a form of cybersecurity to defend against forms of malicious, targeted fake news or propaganda campaigns.
More activists and news organizations being reprimanded due to fake news weaponization.
Nation states banning social media platforms promoting opposing ideals. This trend may further create more echo chambers.
Political parties discrediting national media and journalists by labeling them as fake news spreaders. This trend may further alienate the public from traditional media institutions.
Establishing more extremist sites promoting certain ideologies may increase violence and protests.
Enhanced investments in artificial intelligence systems for real-time fact-checking, leading to a significant reduction in the spread of disinformation online.
Rising demand for media literacy education in schools to equip younger generations with skills to discern credible information sources.
Stricter regulatory frameworks by governments targeting the spread of false information, potentially impacting freedom of expression and digital rights.