Hitler controlled Germany using one phrase: lugenpresse.

It translates to lying press. He controlled exactly where the newspaper went, what information used and placed limitations on who could write and publish. He understood the importance of journalism and the power within words. He controlled what the people knew. 

The worry of the spread of false information re-arrived in the 2016 election and is further emphasized every time president Trump mentions “fake news.” At first glance, these two phrases have similar meanings: false, manipulated information, but contain different objectives. Both bring awareness but the former is meant to guide ignorance and the latter to seek truth. 

Journalism is the embodiment of communication. If one controls the flow of communication, one could control society. Journalists are storytellers. They provide information that entertains, inspires but most importantly informs. One of the most important aspects of writing articles is the search for facts to support their writing so that it’s accurate. 

Information spreads faster than ever. Journalists are purposely targeted by despots to control the information they spread. If information serves as the eyes of a society’s body, and the despot successfully limits what the people see, the people then instinctively rely on the despot to receive the “truth.” 

Journalism in America is protected by the first amendment of the Constitution. However, presidents have challenged the accuracy and influence of journalism. 

For example, President Nixon’s Watergate scandal was heavily investigated and reported on by the Washington Post and the New York Times; yet Nixon attempted to sway the public away from the truth. He claimed newspaper corporations were telling lies about the President of the United States. The truth eventually found its way to the public eyes as people accepted that Nixon would be the first President to resign. 

Unfortunately, despots aren’t the only people who profit off of manipulated information. Greedy people can take advantage of the honor and professionalism of journalism, using dramaticized information to entice viewers and ensnare the public with lies. 

According to Wired, one such person took advantage of the controversy of the 2016 election to post false information about Trump on websites with names dangerously similar to professional news corporations. It gained traction when Trump-supporters shared the stories across social media. Their “most popular website earned [them] $16,000 over the course of a few months.” 

Action has been taken to prevent future traction of fake news websites, but the fight against fake news isn’t over. In the comment section of a Youtube video describing the influence of fake news in politics, many comments called out news corporations for selling false information. Their actions reveal two influences of fake news. 

When people are taken advantage of fake news encourages distrust among communities and discourages faith in the press. If people can’t trust journalists, what’s stopping them from shutting out all media? 

What’s stopping them is FOMO, or the fear of being left out. In other words, people are curious and want to stay informed about the world. 

More people may be skeptical but more are also wary of fake news. They are actively searching for what’s real. Searching for facts over feelings.