EVOLUTION OF AN EMERGING CONCEPT: CHARACTERISTICS OF FAKE NEWS AND
POSSIBLE IMPLICATIONS FOR THE EDUCATION SYSTEM
Abstract
Worries about the diffusion of fake news and its impact on society have
grown considerably in the last few years. Researchers in different
fields have recognized the need to better understand the reasons behind
its spread and identify strategies to combat it. This article resumes
the main results achieved in different fields of knowledge, to define a
theoretical framework. We performed a systematic review of recent
literature (2013–2018), which showed that even if the concept of “fake
news” has attracted a great number of researchers there still isn’t a
clear definition of the phenomenon nor a plan on how to combat it. The
results suggest the need for education and schools to promote programme
and policies that may support pupils in recognizing and defending
themselves from fake news at national and international levels.