Using Cascade Theories to Explain the Spread of Fake News in the Asian Context

Abstract

ABSTRACT Understanding the nature of the spread of misinformation is critical to an effort to control or minimize it. This paper uses existing cascade theories and ties them into propaganda frameworks to help understand the complex nature of fake news in contemporary media. We draw upon the availability cascades, cognitive cascades, and propaganda models to structure and process misinformation diffusion in the hope that it may help counter its spread. We use examples of fake news from Singapore, Myanmar, and India to conclude that the complexities of fake news creation, belief, and dissemination are significant, as is its enduring nature.