In today’s society, it has never been so easy to read, share and spread misinformation.
With the rise in social media and online media sources, Kiwis are becoming more aware of the spread of fake news.
According to a recent Netsafe survey, 93 percent of people have heard the term ‘fake news’ and nearly half of Kiwis are concerned about accidentally spreading it.
“People spreading false and misleading information is not a new phenomenon,” says CEO Martin Cocker.
However variances in the public’s “digital literacy” has meant that critical thinking has never been so important when it comes to what people read online, says Mr. Cocker.
Eight out of 10 New Zealanders said they recall seeing fake news on social media with just over half have seeing it on online news sites and 40 per cent reading it in print newspapers.
