This is particularly true in instances where fake news is not totally fake. Such motivated dissemination of fake information using social media and messaging applications – and the clever mix of fact with fiction using technology – only makes fake news appear more credible. Hateful discussions on the social media, based on fake news, create a vicious cycle of dehumanising others. The Commission also reported that government agencies have had to actively counter false stories going viral on social media, primarily Facebook and WhatsApp. The MCMC says Malaysia is the second biggest social media news consumer in Asia Pacific, just behind Hong Kong.

Source: The Star January 06, 2019 00:22 UTC