Why Malaysians Love Sharing Fake News More Than Real News
Why Malaysians Love Sharing Fake News More Than Real News In Malaysia’s fast-moving digital landscape, information travels with remarkable speed. A claim posted in the morning can become nationwide conversation by noon, amplified across messaging apps, social platforms and private groups. Yet alongside this velocity lies a persistent problem: misinformation often spreads more quickly—and more widely—than verified reporting. The reasons are not difficult to identify. Real news, produced by established media organisations, is typically cautious. It relies on sourcing, verification and context. Reports are framed with qualifiers—“according to authorities,” “under investigation,” or “pending confirmation.” This is not a weakness; it is a standard of responsible journalism. However, in the attention economy of social media, caution is frequently outperformed by certainty. False or misleading content tends to be presented with urgency and confidence. Headlines are emphatic, ...