Abstract

This paper aims to explore the phenomena of “fake news” and to see what kind of threat that it poses – mainly focused on epistemic damage. It will also explore different measures that can be taken in order to lessen this effect. In order to discuss the term, one must begin exploring it as not being a new phenomenon but also see what effect the introduction of digital social media platforms has had on the spread and damage caused. The paper also discusses what can be regarded as a trusted source of knowledge by covering the assurance theory of testimony and how it fits in an online context. If one can trust information based on a person stepping in as a guarantee for the knowledge – when can they be said to have done this?The paper will also cover the popularisation of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-generative tools that can help create falsified images, video and audio content that can be claimed to be evidence and how this has a negative effect as an epistemic threat. The conclusion of this paper is that a more level-headed approach, applying some form of common sense, to sharing and evaluating information being news is the best approach to counter the epistemic harm that otherwise can be caused by fake news. This could be done by starting to value ones’ view of themselves as part of the chain of testimony and to cultivate the trust that others put in them.