What is Fake News? The definition of fake news has changed throughout the years.

1.) Yellow Journalism (Tabloid Journalism) - One of the oldest forms of fake news is yellow journalism. Yellow journalism uses sensational titles and generally focuses on sensationalism and scandals to make you buy the tabloid or click the link. Examples of print yellow journalism include The National Enquirer and the Globe.  More resources to read online are located in ebrary, our online book collection: The sensational headline of xxxx drove the reader to buy the newspaper, the sensational headline today compels the user to click and/or share the link which generates revenue for the publisher from advertisers.

2.) Comedy Shows - Although comedians have always joked about politics and politicians, and SNL had its weekend update, a new sort of comedy show was recently created that not only mocked and parodied the politicians, but the news shows themselves. These shows interview real politicians; however, the intent is to entertain (and maybe educate), but primarily to amuse. The term "Fake News" came from this genre. The intent is not to mislead the audience. A type of comedy, satire, when presented in the form of a post or article (The Borowitz Report) , newspaper or website (The Onion), or television show (The Daily Show) is also referred to as fake news, however its purpose is political commentary.

3.) Propaganda 

4.) Social Media - The United States Presidential Election unleashed a flurry of fake news on social media . In addition to tabloid news and comedy shows, a new kind of fake news exploded on to the scene. This fake news was meant to raise revenue (click bait), and/or serve as propaganda by spreading false, inflammatory rumors.  Eventually some politicians began callling any news they disagreed with "fake news" regardless of the facts. Fake News is created to generate profit (clickbait) and/or, spread non-factual information.

5.) Errors, Disagreements - In 2006-2007 with the term fake news in the media, politicians began calling news they disagreed with or unintentional errors, fake news. This is not the appropriate use of the term fake news.