In this AI-created podcast episode, we explore how fake news grabs our attention by triggering strong emotions like fear, anger, and disgust—especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Research shows that, unlike real news, which often includes a range of emotions, fake news leans on these negative feelings to spread quickly. We discuss why recognizing these emotional triggers matters and share practical tips for spotting trustworthy information, seeking diverse perspectives, and thinking critically before hitting “share.” Join us to learn how understanding these tactics can make us all smarter and more thoughtful news consumers.

This podcast is based on the following article:

Farhoudinia, B., Ozturkcan, S., & Kasap, N. (2024). Emotions unveiled: Detecting COVID-19 fake news on social media. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 11, 640. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-024-03083-5