People have a responsibility to check the source of what they share on social media to ensure it is not ‘fake news’ designed to further prejudices or increase fear, Pope Francis said.
Fake news grabs people’s attention ‘by appealing to stereotypes and common social prejudices, and exploiting instantaneous emotions like anxiety, contempt, anger and frustration,’ Pope Francis wrote in his message for World Communications Day 2018.
The message is a reflection on the theme, ‘The truth will set you free. Fake news and journalism for peace’. World Communications Day will be celebrated on 13th May at the Vatican and in most dioceses. The papal message was released at the Vatican on 24th January, the feast of St Francis de Sales, patron saint of journalists.