Conspiracies, fake news and false information

In our increasingly connected online world, social media has become a hugely influential player. Most of our critical information comes from those channels rather than through traditional, editorially guided media.

Platforms such as Twitter and Facebook have opened up opportunities for greater engagement and better understanding. But, simultaneously, they have led to the spread of false scientific information, often with harmful consequences for society. How can we address this and ensure that people’s beliefs and decisions are based on facts rather than untruths? Why do people believe what they do? What is it that is so attractive about conspiracies and fake news?