How fake news affects academic literacy: A case of a small country enhancing US elections / Како лажните вести влијаат врз академската писменост: Случајот на мала држава што ги зацврсти резултатите од изборите во САД.

Abstract

There has been an alarming increase of the phenomenon of “fake news” in the last decade. In particular, the production and distribution of fake news affects our digital literacy and our competences as educators. This research provides insights into the relationship of production of fake news in peripheral, small country in Europe and the results of US elections. The aim is to offer new approaches to addressing digital literacy and ways to help students tackle problematic content.

It was found that fake news producers are not concerned about contents as long as clicks bring good profits from advertisements. Knowing that the responsible use of media (social and other) is crucial for creating democratic participation in education and in society, educators need to develop new skills in times of abusive digital literacy.