News Analysis

 What is news?

News is information about current events. This may be provided through many different media: word of mouth, printing, postal systems, broadcasting, electronic communication, or through the testimony of observers and witnesses to events. News is sometimes called "hard news" to differentiate it from soft media.

What is Real News?

Real news refers to accurate, verified, and objective information that is reported by credible journalists and news organizations. It is based on facts, evidence, and thorough investigation, following journalistic standards of ethics, such as fairness, balance, and impartiality. Real news is essential for keeping the public informed on significant events, issues, and developments in society. It typically comes from trusted sources like reputable newspapers, TV channels, radio stations, and websites that prioritize truthfulness and accountability in their reporting.

What is Fake News?

Fake news refers to false or misleading information presented as news, often with the intent to deceive, manipulate, or provoke specific emotions. It can take the form of fabricated stories, manipulated images or videos, or deliberate misinformation. Fake news is often spread through social media, websites, or even traditional media outlets, and can be used to influence public opinion, generate ad revenue, or promote a particular agenda. It undermines trust in legitimate news sources and can cause confusion, harm, or division in society.

Examples for Fake News and Real News.

In Sri Lanka, like many other countries, fake news has circulated on various occasions, particularly through social media and sometimes even traditional media. Here are a few examples,

1)COVID-19 Misinformation.

During the pandemic, false claims about cures, vaccines, and the spread of the virus were rampant. For example, there were fake news reports claiming that certain herbal remedies could cure COVID-19, leading to confusion among the public.

2)Easter Sunday Bombings (2019).

After the tragic bombings in April 2019, various false reports and rumors circulated, including fake claims about further attacks or involvement of certain groups without proper evidence. These added to public panic and tension.

3)Ethnic and Religious Tensions.

At times, fake news has been used to stoke ethnic or religious tensions. For example, there have been fabricated stories about attacks on specific communities, which have led to increased violence and unrest.

4)Political Misinformation.

 During elections, misleading or entirely false information about candidates and parties is often spread. In 2018, for instance, rumors and fake news surrounding the constitutional crisis confused the public regarding the legitimacy of political moves.

5)Wildlife and Environmental Misinformation.

There have been instances where fake news about environmental issues, like the handling of elephants or deforestation policies, was spread to manipulate public opinion on governmental and private sector actions.

How to Spot Fake News?

Here is the real news corresponding to the fake news examples I provided earlier.

1)COVID-19 Misinformation.

The real news is that COVID-19 has no herbal cure, and its treatment requires proper medical attention. Vaccines and scientifically proven methods like wearing masks, social distancing, and vaccines were crucial in combating the virus.

2)Easter Sunday Bombings (2019).

 The real news was that the Easter Sunday bombings were carried out by a group of Islamic extremists linked to ISIS, and further attacks were not immediately planned after the incident. The government and security forces were on high alert to prevent further violence.

3)Ethnic and Religious Tensions.

 The real news in many cases has been that there were no attacks on certain ethnic or religious groups, and many of the claims circulating were fabricated or exaggerated to incite fear and hostility. In reality, such fake reports were often used to fuel communal tensions unnecessarily.

4)Political Misinformation (2018 Constitutional Crisis).

 The real news was that Sri Lanka experienced a constitutional crisis when then-President Maithripala Sirisena attempted to oust Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and appoint Mahinda Rajapaksa as Prime Minister. This led to legal battles and a parliamentary deadlock, but the Supreme Court eventually ruled that Wickremesinghe was the legitimate Prime Minister.

5)Wildlife and Environmental Misinformation.

The real news in environmental stories, like wildlife conservation, is often that while there are genuine concerns about deforestation and poaching, the specific claims or actions of the government or other parties should be verified through credible sources before believing them. Misinformation can lead to unnecessary panic or misdirected activism.

Each instance of fake news had a kernel of truth, but it was twisted or exaggerated, which highlights the importance of distinguishing real news from rumors and misinformation.

In conclusion, distinguishing between real news and fake news is essential for maintaining an informed and responsible society. Fake news often spreads misinformation, creating unnecessary fear, confusion, and social unrest, as seen in various situations in Sri Lanka, from COVID-19 to political and ethnic issues. Real news, on the other hand, is based on verified facts, adhering to journalistic standards that prioritize accuracy, objectivity, and public service. Therefore, it is crucial for individuals to be media literate, question sources, and verify information before accepting or sharing it to avoid falling victim to misinformation.