At the most basic level, fake news is false or misleading information that has be packaged or presented in a way that makes it look like it came from a legitimate news source. Because it looks legitimate, people easily believe the information and share with others creating a vicious cycle.
Why Do Our Brains Love Fake News?
Different Types of Fake News
Pure fake news sites use fabricated stories to lure traffic, encourage clicks (click bait), influence or profit using intentionally deceptive, but highly intriguing, often sensational information.
Hoax sites also share false information with the intention to trick readers/viewers
Satirical sites present news with a comical, often exaggerated spin
Born digital images and edited images alter and often misrepresent visual reality