Abstract

Fake news on the internet refers to intentionally concocted or falsely presented licit information. The purpose is to negatively influence public opinion for several reasons, which include political agendas, monetary profit, and propaganda. Disinformation on the internet is circulated through websites and social media. It can take various forms, including but not limited to erroneous headlines, falsified stories, distorted images, and fabricated content mirroring truthful news reports. Fake news flourishes in areas where trust in credible media sources is low and political division is high. The propagation of false data across the internet is rooted in technology, psychology, and society. This concept likens fake news to infectious disease. Fake news on the web can be transmitted from person to person. By referring to fake news as a contagious disease, it is easier to understand the variables affected, the rapid spread, the detrimental effects, and the vigorous steps necessary to combat the problem.