Misinformation, Fake News and Rumor Detection

Abstract

Misinformation, fake news and rumors have been an issue of concern for societies and nations. Societies, countries and even organizations experience the negative impact of misinformation, fake news and rumors. These are the forms of information or news that are unverified and could be false. That is why these have immense potential to harm the social system and beliefs. The use of the internet and social media is very common in the dissemination of misinformation. Fake accounts, bots-operated accounts or semi-automated accounts are predominantly used to spread misinformation, fake news and rumors. Some websites are also engaged in the process of creation and aggregation of unverified information. This chapter aims to define different categories of false and unverified information. The impact of misinformation, fake news and rumors and the causes of their dissemination have been explored. This chapter also analyzes the methods, tools and techniques that could be used to detect false information and discourage its dissemination. It is observed that there is a need to create awareness and educate internet users to spot and detect misinformation. Social media platforms and the government authorities are also using algorithms and other technological frameworks to detect and eliminate misinformation, fake news and rumors from the web. The findings of the study might be useful for internet users, academicians, policymakers, entrepreneurs and managers of news and social media industry. The outcomes of the study can be helpful in predicting, explaining and controlling the process of creation and dissemination of misinformation, fake news and rumors.