Fake it until you make it? The consequences of misinformation for democracy

The concept of “fake news” has gained traction, in particular over the last year and because of the US Presidential elections. The latest revelations connected to the win of Donald Trump highlight the crucial implications of the deliberate spreading of misleading information for democratic conduct and the decision-making process. Of course, “fake news” is not a new phenomenon: tabloids have long reproduced exaggerations and lies with dire consequences both for individuals and public life. In the UK, the Leave campaign largely benefited from such fake news about the dangers posed by immigrants and refugees as well as the horrors imposed by the EU. At the same time, however, “fake news” seems to have become an umbrella term encompassing what has hitherto been discussed as mass manipulation, propaganda, but also satire. It has also become a buzzword for everyone doubting the validity of media and journalism. Trump himself notoriously uses the label to attack the media that criticise him.