Misinformation, disinformation, fake news: How do they spread and why do people fall for fake news?

Abstract

In the present study, after a short reference to the concepts of misinformation, disinformation and fake news and the causes of their dissemination, we focus on fake news about climate change, laying emphasis on the factors that led to the forging, through the press, of the false assertion that climate change does not exist or, if it does, it is due to natural processes and not to humans. One of the most influential deniers of climate change is former US President Donald Trump, who has consistently expressed suspicion about the origin of climate change. Misinformation on climate was also spread on the occasion of the 28th UN Climate Conference (COP28), with the most significant inaccuracy coming from the President of the Conference, Sultan Al Jaber, who made statements against scientists calling for a reduction in fossil fuel use in order to prevent a 1.5 degree rise in temperature above pre-industrial levels. According to a report on the COP28 briefing, among the biggest sources of false or misleading climate-related information, are influential states including Russia and China, fossil fuel exporting companies and online provocateurs who make money promoting claims that global warming is but a hoax. As to climate change misinformation, we highlight two cases of inaccurate statements as detected by Check4Facts news/statements verification platform, which combines investigative journalism and social research. We then describe how a fact-checker works when examining climate news/statements and conclude by proposing appropriate solutions to address climate change related fake news. These are media literacy, media reform and fact-checking by organizations whose independence and credibility can be guaranteed.