Final answer:
Fake news refers to fabricated or misleading information presented as news, impacting readers and communication professionals by spreading misinformation and eroding trust.
Step-by-step explanation:
Fake news refers to deliberately fabricated or misleading information presented as news. It often involves spreading false or exaggerated information to manipulate readers or promote certain agendas.
The term "fake news" became a buzzword around the 2016 US Presidential election when there was a surge in the circulation of misleading information on social media platforms. Since then, it has gained widespread attention and usage.
Fake news impacts readers by creating confusion, spreading misinformation, and eroding trust in the media. It can influence people's beliefs, decision-making, and perceptions of reality.
For journalists and other communication professionals, fake news poses challenges in maintaining credibility and trust. It undermines their work by distorting information and making it difficult to separate fact from fiction. Journalists need to be vigilant in fact-checking and verifying information before reporting.
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