Final answer:
A hoax involves creating a fake event to appear as real. Fake news stories are common examples, where they lack factual basis yet aim to deceive. Heuristics are cognitive shortcuts used in decision-making that can be useful but also fallible in detecting hoaxes.
Step-by-step explanation:
A hoax is a fabrication of a fake event that is made to look like the truth. Hoaxes often involve fake news stories that are presented as if they are actual events, but they lack any basis in fact. The intent behind a hoax can vary, from a harmless practical joke to a serious attempt to deceive people for personal gain or to influence public opinion.
It's important to develop critical thinking skills to assess information and apply heuristics, which are cognitive shortcuts for making decisions. While heuristics can be helpful, they are not foolproof and can sometimes lead to errors in judgment, especially when faced with sophisticated hoaxes designed to mimic real news. Being able to distinguish between fake and real stories is a valuable skill in the digital age where information is readily accessible and not always accurate.