In a world dominated by speed, quantity and hyperconnection, the ability to distinguish between reliable information and manipulated content has become a critical skill.
Fake news – false, distorted or decontextualized information spread with the intent to influence opinions and behaviors – today represents a cultural and social risk factor.
The phenomenon is not new, but it has taken on unprecedented dimensions with the widespread diffusion of social media. Digital platforms, by their very nature, favor emotional, polarizing and simplified content. Not surprisingly, it is estimated that six out of ten news stories shared online are not even read before being reposted. A figure that should make us reflect on the fragility of the contemporary information ecosystem.
Disinformation and new digital tools
Technological evolution has expanded the scope and sophistication of fake news. The use of artificial intelligence, for example, has introduced new challenges: from deepfake videos to artificially generated images and seemingly plausible but unfounded texts. The apparent reliability of such content makes manipulation increasingly difficult to detect. It should also be remembered that disinformation does not spread neutrally; it exploits cognitive biases, appeals to emotions, and thrives in contexts where institutional sources are already met with weak trust.
How to recognize fake news
Countering disinformation requires critical training and some operational tools. Among the most effective actions:
- verifying the identity and credibility of the author;
- reading or viewing the entire content, not just the title;
- checking the date and context of the news;
- analyzing the quality of images and links;
- being wary of overly emotional or alarmist content;
- using verification tools such as reverse image search or dedicated plugins.
There is no single infallible rule, but a culture of information can be cultivated: educating people to critical analysis, to discern the reliability and relevance of sources, and to suspend hasty judgment.
A central topic also for the Museum of Saving
Investire in educazione critica significa andare oltre la semplice lotta contro la disinformazione, con l’obiettivo di rafforzare la partecipazione democratica, l’etica del confronto e la fiducia nei saperi.
Riconoscere una fake news non è solo un atto di difesa, è un esercizio di cittadinanza attiva.
To raise awareness among younger generations and promote more informed citizenship, the Museum of Saving has dedicated two special events to the topic of fake news:
- Scandals and fake news: in cinema and finance – an event organized in collaboration with the National Cinema Museum, to discuss fake news and disinformation in film and finance;
- The labyrinth of fake news – an interactive workshop where students will be called to solve riddles and find clues to navigate through the maze of information circulating online in the age of artificial intelligence.
Investing in critical education means going beyond the simple fight against disinformation, with the goal of strengthening democratic participation, the ethics of dialogue, and trust in knowledge.
Recognizing fake news is not just an act of defense – it is an exercise in active citizenship.
17 September 2025