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Fake news and satire from parody news accounts can indeed have a negative impact on

individuals, particularly when they fail to practice critical thinking. While satire and parody can be
entertaining and serve as a form of social commentary, they can also be misunderstood or taken
as factual information when not approached critically. This can lead to a range of problems,
including misinformation, polarization, and the erosion of trust in legitimate news sources.

Parody accounts, such as Astro AWATNI, Bermanadotcon, BorneoGhost, or MyJakim, often


mimic the style and appearance of legitimate news outlets or organizations. They may
intentionally create false or exaggerated stories with the intention of amusing or mocking
readers. However, when people lack critical thinking skills or fail to verify the information they
encounter, they may accept these stories as true and spread them further.

One problem arises when people share fake news or satire without realizing its true nature.
These stories can quickly go viral, leading to misinformation being disseminated widely. This
can have serious consequences, especially when the information relates to public health,
politics, or sensitive topics. For example, a parody news account may create a satirical article
about a fictitious cure for a disease. If individuals believe this information and fail to seek out
accurate medical advice, it can harm their health and well-being.

Another issue is the potential for satire to exacerbate existing divisions and polarization within
society. Satirical content often relies on exaggeration, irony, and sarcasm to make its point.
While some readers may understand the satirical intent, others may take the content at face
value, leading to further division and confusion. This can fuel misunderstandings, reinforce
biases, and create a hostile environment for rational discussions.

Moreover, the presence of parody accounts can erode trust in legitimate news sources. When
people come across fake news or satire presented as real news, they may become skeptical
and question the credibility of all news outlets. This skepticism can make it challenging for
individuals to discern accurate information from false or misleading content. Ultimately, this
undermines the role of journalism in informing the public and holding power to account.

To mitigate the negative impact of fake news and satire, it is crucial for individuals to practice
critical thinking skills. This involves questioning the source of information, verifying facts, and
being aware of the nuances and characteristics of different types of content. Developing media
literacy and fact-checking habits can help individuals navigate the digital landscape and
differentiate between legitimate news, satire, and fake news. Additionally, it is important for
social media platforms and news organizations to take responsibility in combating
misinformation and promoting accurate reporting.

In conclusion, fake news and satire from parody news accounts can be problematic when
individuals fail to engage in critical thinking. The spread of misinformation, polarization, and a
decline in trust in legitimate news sources are among the negative consequences that can arise.
To combat these issues, individuals need to develop critical thinking skills, while platforms and
news organizations must take steps to address misinformation and promote responsible
journalism.

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