​Those in poll point to WhatsApp, Facebook as fake news sources

The Straits Times, page A4

Facebook and WhatsApp were identified as the two main sources of bogus news here by people who responded to a government survey on attitudes towards fake news. About half of the Singapore residents polled said they were confident of their ability to discern real from fake. But only 32 per cent said they believed other people would be able to recognise fake news. Asst Prof Edson Tandoc of NTU’s WKWSCI, said, “Self-confidence does not always correspond with actual ability. In fact, it becomes risky when the individual’s confidence is high but actual ability is low.” The survey also found that most people are concerned about the spread of fake news online and supported strengthening laws and regulations to curb the problem. Prof Tandoc said this was consistent with the high level of public concern about fake news.