Fake news and the need for media literacy

Fake news is a growing phenomenon. From the latest Q3 report Cybersecurity Report, the findings found that there is a 312% increase in false news, the bulk from the new media. In the classic definition “fake news” is fabrication, lie, propaganda or disinformation used to get the audience (portals looking for clicks), but even to stain the reputation of individuals.1 With such news, the public is served daily. The main purpose of this paper is to show that media literacy is the only solution to minimizing the negative effects of fake news. Media education is the skill of critical thinking that enables an individual to create independent appraisal of media content.2 The analysis will focus at five news that have been fake and the effects that these news may have to the public