Linked: “Facebook fights fake news with links to other angles”

via TechCrunch:

If users see drastically different angles when they compare a story to its Related Articles, they might deem it suspicious and skip it, be less likely to believe or share it, or could click through the Related Articles and make up their own mind. That could reduce the spread and impact of false news without Facebook itself having to be the honesty police. Related Articles could also balance out some of the radical invective that can subtly polarize the populace.

User sees a story from a friend, is shown similar stories that offer a different view or article debunking what they’re about to read (or worse, share / comment based on the headline without reading at all).

This is a step in the right direction of babysitting people who, if it weren’t for Facebook, would still be forwarding you chain letters from 10 years ago promising health and happiness if you forward to 10 friends.

Also, can we collectively stop calling this fake news. These are intentionally false articles posted by individuals looking to make money off Google Adwords with content that appeals to the fears and assumptions of far – left or far-right leaning individuals using a perfectly pulled AP photo and no sources or byline on their site. If you believe a story on “patriot news today” about our former president Barrack Obama planning a military coup against Donald Trump, we should take Facebook away from you and not show you alternative view points or Snopes previews that have to convince you that what you just read is incorrect.

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