News Analysis

                    NEWS ANALYSIS 

What is real news?

Real news refers to true, authentic and unfiltered presentations of events, happenings, facts and other events. Scholarly work is created by credible media outlets that have conducted research, fact-checked information provided by sources, and followed journalistic ethics.

Here are some main feature÷                                                               

1.Accuracy: Real news is news that contains information that has been analyzed and several checks have been made to ensure that it is true

2.Objective: Real news gives information as close to the middle as possible, the news does not belong to a particular side and does not contain the opinions of the editor 

3.Source reliability: Original news articles therefore contain information gathered from reliable sources such as eyewitnesses, experts, authorities or statements and certified documents.   

                                                                     

  4.Transparency: Loose news sources disclose where and how they got their facts and how they filtered it to bring it into the public domain.

 

  5.Timeliness: Real news updates are based on a current event or issue which means it provides updates as the facts happen without compromising on the accuracy of information as in sensational news.

 

What is Fake news?

Fake news can be termed as artificially created fake news for the purpose of providing news. It is designed to mislead people, attract a ready-made audience or create controversy with the aim of fulfilling some financial or political agenda.

Here are the main characteristics of fake news÷

 1. False information: Fake news is an arrangement that contains partially true, misrepresented or completely fictional information. This is a way of twisting facts or events in a particular direction to fit a particular picture.

 2. Lack of credibility: Most fake news is shared through sources that are unreliable or do not adhere to journalistic standards.

 3.Sensationalism: Characterized by exaggerating or sensationalizing headlines and content with the primary goal of eliciting the highest possible emotional response rather than informing the audience factually.

 4. Intent to manipulate: When falsehoods are produced in the news, its authors usually have the intention to manipulate the public, mislead them or create confusion for political, ideological or financial gain.

Here is real news compared to the fake news examples mentioned: 

  1. Anti-Muslim riots of 2018

  Real News: 

It should be noted that the riots in the country in 2018 were caused by ethnic relations and long-standing animosity between some sections of the Sinhalese and Muslims. Every branch of government, police and society expressed their displeasure at the violence and worked to restore law and order. Inquiries revealed that there is no reasonable basis for allegations that some restaurants owned by Muslims use tablets to sterilize their utensils. Others were quick to warn that such rumors were false, but spread in an attempt to incite violence.

  2. COVID-19 misinformation

  Real news: 

COVID-19 is a viral disease that has affected people all over the world, and the ways of real protection were to comply with medical requirements such as wearing masks, avoiding crowded places, and getting vaccinated. Both Sri Lankan health officials and the World Health Organization have consistently discouraged the public from seeking unproven treatments and seeking advice only from trusted medical professionals. The use of vaccines or wearing face masks and hand washing are the only acceptable ways to contract and avoid the severe effects of COVID 19.

Fake news has become a global issue, and Sri Lanka is no exception. Several instances of fake news have impacted the country, especially through social media. Here are a few notable examples from Sri Lanka:

1. 2018 Anti-Muslim Riots

During the 2018 communal violence in Sri Lanka, fake news and misinformation played a significant role in fueling ethnic tensions between the Sinhalese and Muslim communities. Rumors and false reports spread via social media platforms, especially on Facebook, claiming that Muslim-owned restaurants were mixing sterilization pills into food served to Sinhalese customers. These baseless accusations fueled fear and anger, contributing to violence and destruction in some areas of the country.

2. COVID-19 Misinformation

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sri Lanka saw a surge in fake news related to the virus. There were numerous false reports about the virus's spread, treatment methods, and vaccine side effects. For instance, one piece of fake news circulated widely claimed that consuming certain herbs or traditional medicines could prevent or cure COVID-19, leading to confusion and potential health risks.

Conclusion

In today's media-saturated world, distinguishing between fake and real news is more crucial than ever. While real news adheres to journalistic standards of accuracy, balance, and transparency, fake news often manipulates facts, preys on emotions, and undermines trust in credible institutions. The spread of fake news can have serious consequences, from dividing societies to influencing political outcomes. Therefore, cultivating media literacy and critical thinking skills is essential for individuals to navigate information responsibly and contribute to a more informed, discerning society