Rider University Symposium Takes Aim At Fake News Phenomenon

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ — In the age of social media, what is true and what is false has become even more magnified.

Many people have encountered a situation in which they shared a story on Facebook or retweeted something on Twitter they believed to be important, only to find out what they posted is either false or labelled “fake news” by those who disagree with the story’s content.

But how can you tell the difference? Rider University is hosting a symposium next week to help shed some light on the subject.

A symposium on fake news and responsible citizenship will be held on Wednesday, March 1, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. in the Fireside Lounge, Bart Luedeke Center, on Rider University’s Lawrenceville campus (2083 Lawreneceville Road).

Rider’s Political Science Department, the Communication and Journalism Department, and the Rider University Libraries will present the symposium, which is free and open to the public.

This symposium will provide the audience with historical and political context for understanding fake, misleading and highly ideological news.

Speakers will discuss the political conditions that lead to the proliferation of fake news and what the consequences are.

They will also explain what distinguishes fake and misleading news from responsible and reliable news gathering.

Library faculty will provide concrete tools to recognize fake news and fact check media sources.

No pre-registration is required to attend.

Patch file photo