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Fake News for Whom?: Discussing Types, Political Appropriation, and Consumption of False Contents

Fake News for Whom?: Discussing Types, Political Appropriation, and Consumption of False Contents
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Author(s): Ruben Arnoldo Gonzalez (Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Mexico)
Copyright: 2026
Pages: 22
Source title: Digital Space in the Wake of Shrinking Traditional Media
Source Author(s)/Editor(s): Alfred Okoth Akwala (Technical University of Kenya, Kenya), Denish Ouko Otieno (Kenya Institute of Mass Communication, Kenya)and Amos Moraro Marube (Technical University of Kenya, Kenya)
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-6684-9356-4.ch006

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Abstract

Fake news is a problematic concept with multiple meanings for diverse persons. Journalists, politicians, academics, and even laypeople use it on a daily basis. However, more often than not they refer to different things. Therefore, in order to elaborate a more robust analysis of the term, it is important to clarify who utilises it and for what. Hence, the aim of this chapter is threefold: firstly, considering its content, this study proposes an updated typology of fake news that integrates humorous messages, disinformation, and unethical journalism practices. Secondly, it establishes a distinction between the message as such and its weaponization by populist political leaders. Thirdly, it reflects on the reasons why the audience constantly look for - and share - this kind of stories. In doing so, it draws on a comprehensive literature review.

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