Fake news spreads false information that confuses people & makes it harder to trust real news. It can cause fights between groups, influence elections & harm reputations. Sometimes it spreads fear or panic & other times it makes people doubt science or facts. Social media makes it travel fast so more people believe it before it’s checked. Over time it weakens trust in media, experts & even friends.
The most dangerous kind of fake news and disinformation is the one which directly spread pseudo-scientific information about health and illnesses which put life in danger, by giving people the impression they can treat serious disorders with basic tools and ingredients found in ones household...
I have seen those quacks claiming they can cure HIV and cancer through the use of Sea water... It is actually disgusting there are some people out there who are willing to put others life at serious risk, just for the sake of money and relevance. It is playing with the well being of the desperate and the needy and it should be illegal.