Chapter 1. History of Fake News
Abstract
Chapter 1 of Library Technology Reports (vol. 53, no. 8), “Combatting Fake News in the Digital Age”
Fake news has probably existed throughout human history. Chapter 1 of Library Technology Reports (vol. 53, no. 8), “Combatting Fake News in the Digital Age,” looks at the written record, which is replete with examples. The purpose of fake news has been to mislead or misinform others. The motivation to do so ultimately has to do with social power. From creating a legacy for oneself, to discrediting another, to simply having fun by tricking people, purveyors of fake news have created information for their own benefit.
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