DISINFORMATION AND FAKE NEWS: FEATURES AND METHODS OF DETECTION ON THE INTERNET

Abstract

The development of the global Internet, the large-scale introduction of fast and free online services not only expanded the possibilities of access to information, but also changed the principles of communication of society. Due to the simplification of the mechanisms for creating and disseminating news via the Internet, as well as the physical impossibility to verify huge amounts of information circulating in the network, the spread of disinformation and fake news has increased dramatically. In view of this, detecting false news is an important task that not only ensures that users are provided with verified information and prevent manipulation of public consciousness, but also helps to maintain a reliable news ecosystem.

According to the analysis of international organizations and scientific publications, disinformation is false, misleading, manipulative information created deliberately for the sake of economic, political or other benefits, and fake news is one of the methods of its dissemination. Fake news is characterized by the following features: false manipulative content; aiming to deliberately mislead, disorient the consumer; presenting information on behalf of false or anonymous sources; inconsistency with the content of the headline; use of rumors and satire; aiming to criticize social or political issues; imitation of legitimate news; dissemination on the Internet; economic or political motives of creation.

As a result of the study, it was found that Internet users, through conscious perception of information and a responsible approach to its dissemination, can reduce the effectiveness of disinformation and fake news tools. It is noted that a proven method to avoid false information is to receive news from reliable sources. However, in order to identify fake news, it is advisable to use such methods as: analysis of the source, content and headline of the news; checking information about the author and sources referred to in the message; checking the "freshness" of the news; using fact-checking tools; consulting with an expert; analyzing own emotional reaction to the news, etc.