When creating an infographic about Fake News to share on social media, it’s probably best to check your facts.
That’s the lesson the Media Literacy Council of Singapore learnt recently, after it shared an image that described satire as a type of fake news, alongside false context, imposter content, manipulated content, misleading content and clickbait.
The post, which was shared with the Council’s almost 20,000 followers, quickly generated social media backlash.
Dear Media Literacy Council, SATIRE is not fake news lah. Please don’t spread this kind of fake news, can? #simisai #simisaialsofakenews pic.twitter.com/Y6YDHnvl5w
— mrbrown (@mrbrown) September 8, 2019
https://twitter.com/jolovanwham/status/1170491371070738432
The Media Literacy Council has since removed the controversial post and issued the following apology.
“We acknowledge that the post and infographic gave the wrong impression that satire was fake news, which was not the intent,” the group said.
“We are sorry for the confusion and will review our material.
“The aim of the post was to raise awareness among youths and the general public about the need to be aware of the ways in which misinformation or fake news can be spread, and encourage readers to understand the context in which information is presented.”
The group works with government and industry to generate public awareness around media literacy and lists its ‘vision’ as “discerning Singaporeans who are able to evaluate media content effectively, and to use, create and share content safely and responsibly” on its website.
