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Protection from ‘Fake News’: The Need for Descriptive Factual Labeling for Online Content

Author

Listed:
  • Matthew Spradling

    (Computer Science, Engineering and Physics Department, University of Michigan–Flint, Flint, MI 48502, USA)

  • Jeremy Straub

    (Institute for Cyber Security Education and Research, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA)

  • Jay Strong

    (Computer Science, Engineering and Physics Department, University of Michigan–Flint, Flint, MI 48502, USA)

Abstract

So-called ‘fake news’—deceptive online content that attempts to manipulate readers—is a growing problem. A tool of intelligence agencies, scammers and marketers alike, it has been blamed for election interference, public confusion and other issues in the United States and beyond. This problem is made particularly pronounced as younger generations choose social media sources over journalistic sources for their information. This paper considers the prospective solution of providing consumers with ‘nutrition facts’-style information for online content. To this end, it reviews prior work in product labeling and considers several possible approaches and the arguments for and against such labels. Based on this analysis, a case is made for the need for a nutrition facts-based labeling scheme for online content.

Suggested Citation

  • Matthew Spradling & Jeremy Straub & Jay Strong, 2021. "Protection from ‘Fake News’: The Need for Descriptive Factual Labeling for Online Content," Future Internet, MDPI, vol. 13(6), pages 1-26, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jftint:v:13:y:2021:i:6:p:142-:d:564040
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    3. Barkan, I.D., 1985. "Industry invites regulation: The passage of the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 75(1), pages 18-26.
    4. Hunt Allcott & Matthew Gentzkow, 2017. "Social Media and Fake News in the 2016 Election," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 31(2), pages 211-236, Spring.
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    Cited by:

    1. Ryan Suttle & Scott Hogan & Rachel Aumaugher & Matthew Spradling & Zak Merrigan & Jeremy Straub, 2021. "University Community Members’ Perceptions of Labels for Online Media," Future Internet, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-39, October.
    2. Fanhui Meng & Haoming Sun & Jiarong Xie & Chengjun Wang & Jiajing Wu & Yanqing Hu, 2021. "Preference for Number of Friends in Online Social Networks," Future Internet, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-13, September.

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