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Fake News

The data provided by Pennycook and Rand sheds light on the psychological aspects of fake news,
showing the elements that lead to individuals believing incorrect or deceptive information. It is
significant to highlight that evidence disproves the popular narrative attributing susceptibility to fake
news entirely to partisanship and politically driven thinking. Instead, the review contends that a lack of
critical deliberation, pertinent information, and the use of heuristics like familiarity and source signals
are related to poor truth discerning.

Due to its alignment with preexisting assumptions or prejudices, the widespread narrative concerning
fake news and political agendas may be accepted by many individuals. It is believed that those who
belong to opposing political parties are more prone to spreading false information, which supports the
notion that our society is split along ideological lines. Additionally, the overwhelming amount of material
and intricacy of the information on social media platforms can cause users to become distracted, which
facilitates the propagation of incorrect information. A study by Pennycook and Rand indicates that due
to the emotional appeal or sensationalism of the headlines, people may inadvertently spread false
information, contributing to the spread of incorrect information.

"The Protocols of the Elders of Zion," released in the early 20th century, is a noteworthy instance of
"fake news" from the past. This paper allegedly included the minutes of private Jewish leadership
meetings when plans to rule the globe and enslave non-Jewish people were discussed. In truth,
according to Burkhart, it was a fake and anti-Semitic work that most likely originated in Russia in the late
19th century. Despite being widely debunked as a fabrication, it had a significant influence, feeding
conspiracy theories and anti-Semitic emotions and contributing to the surge of anti-Jewish violence in
the early 20th century. The dissemination of this false story is a horrifying illustration of the deadly and
far-reaching effects that "fake news" may have by inciting societal division and hatred.

Works Cited
Pennycook, Gordon, and David G. Rand. "The psychology of fake news." Trends in cognitive
sciences 25.5 (2021): 388-402.

Burkhart, Dagmar. "The Conspiracy, or the Roots of the Disintegration of European Society." Danilo Kiš’s
Fictionalization of the Protocols of the Elders of Zion." Culture & Theory| Volume 193 (2020): 313.