Sofia, May 17 2018
A new edition with relevant information to recognize fake news was published by the Bulgarian Family Planning and Sexual Health Association (BFPA). Author of the text is the journalist Polina Paunova and of the drawings – the artist Kremena Koeva. The leaflet has a focus to health, but treats fake news and disinformation as a whole. It is targeting young people, but is useful and appropriate for all age groups.
„Fake News draw attention. They are scandalous. Shocking. Spicy. They are often about sex. Or about money. Or about death. Or about the three of the above together. Fake news are “grandiose”, “shocking” and reveal “a secret”. They are presented in a way that make you feel lost or shake your understanding of the world, on politics, medicine, authorities and celebrities.
... they discredit people, sometimes even entire countries. They do not have authors, but use names. They do not use factology, but simulate authenticity…“
You can find here the whole text (in BG)
The „fake news“ phenomenon is known long time ago and exists through the ages in different forms, but today is extremely spread worldwide. With the development of the new technologies and the opportunities for instant exchange of information we use today, it is becoming a serious threat for the common sense of humankind. As a whole behind the loud titles and made-up materials of the fake news two main goals can be found: to gain some kind of profit from the readers and to confound people so that to reach different political and/or lobbying interests.
While working with different target groups and especially with young people BFPA is including in the set of presentations the topic on fake news, because frequently the information on health and medical issues is affected. The brochure contains valuable guidelines on signs how to recognize fake news, and is useful for everyone who in today’s dynamic world would like to be informed and search for truth and facts, instead of being misinformed, lied and misled.
