Specifics of fake news in modern Russian online media

Abstract

The article discusses a pressing contemporary issue: the spread of unreliable information on the modern Russian internet. The authors examine the theoretical aspects of the fake news phenomenon, including its fundamental ideas and methods of propagation. Fake information is becoming more and more prevalent in the context of the escalating information war. As part of their research, the authors interviewed several experts and performed a sociological survey. They also looked at particular instances of how fake news affected the audience. The findings identified the primary channels of disinformation’s spread and supported the hypothesis that it has a detrimental effect on the audience’s psycho-emotional state. Based on their interviews with some experts, the authors created guidelines for recognizing and classifying unreliable online content. Fake news is meant to influence public opinion, which explains why these materials are so emotionally charged. Information presented in such messages is adapted and simplified so that the audience can understand it. This explains their quick and extensive distribution. Raising media literacy levels and encouraging the development of fundamental media literacy skills in information content consumers is crucial in this respect, as it helps in cultivating critical thinking abilities. Despite society’s collective efforts to expose fakes, the number of fakes is increasing, and it doesn’t appear that this trend will stop. However, the authors are optimistic that this strategy will still allow for some degree of Internet user protection.