Introduction: Satire is a venerable form of social commentary that uses humor to ridicule human vices and follies. The Internet is rife with it, particularly news satire, or fake news, consisting of fictionalized accounts of current events presented in mock-journalistic style to lampoon politicians, celebrities, and social mores.
Satire is only effective if people recognize it as such, however, and therein lies a major pitfall of propagating fake news on the Internet. Users tend to skim texts instead of reading them, missing important clues and disclaimers. The mechanics of social sharing obscure the origin and aim of viral content, increasing the likelihood that fiction will be mistaken for (or misrepresented as) fact.
Below you'll find a checklist of the most popular fake news sites on the web. Share as needed!
From the Fake News Desk:
• Coors Light Beer Laced With Cocaine
• Meteorologists Predict Record-Shattering Snowfall Coming Soon
• Ruins of Ancient City Discovered in Australian Desert
• Betty White, 92, Dyes Peacefully in Los Angeles Home
• Tupac Shakur Alive, Comes Out of Hiding After Nearly 18 Years
• Facebook Drug Task Force to Begin Monitoring Messages October 1st
