Fond of Fake News? Find Them Irresistible? (Part 1)

We’d never buy a car without a test drive.  Then, why are we “buying” news without checking it first?  Let's explore:

🕶️ THE SKIMMING SYNDROME

Most of us just glance at headlines.  A Reuters study (2018) says 60% read, only headlines - yet 80% feel, "informed." We treat news like background noise.

⏰ THE SPEED TRAP

Fake news travels 70% faster than real news (MIT, 2018).  We share it quickly because we are excited.  Our fingers move faster than our brains.

🧠 THE EMOTIONAL OVERRIDE

Logic takes a backseat when emotions kick in.  Claims "too good to be true", spread 4× faster (Journal of Experimental Psychology, 2023).  The brain loves a quick thrill - and skips checking facts.

🔍 THE VERIFICATION VACUUM

Only 12% of us check sources before sharing (Columbia University, 2022).  It's speed over accuracy.  Be first, rather than right. 

📯 EAGER FOR CREDIBILITY

If a post agrees with what we believe, we’re 4× more likely to share it (Nature Human Behaviour, 2023).  We want to feel right, even if we’re wrong.

🌊 THE RIPPLE EFFECT

Each share, boosts fake news' perceived credibility (PNAS 2018, Social Amplification Study).  We are less critical of friends’ posts, and no questions - we just forward them.

 

THE 10-SECOND SOLUTION

Ask, before sharing: "Do I care more about,  being right or feeling right?  Am I informing or misleading?"  Hold for at least 10 seconds.  Remember, our duty is always to -  Stay responsible. Spread truth.

Wait for upcoming Part 2: "Spot It Before You Share It"

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"In this world of speed, truth takes the stairs, while lies take the lift."

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