When Did “Fake News” Enter the World? And Why Are There Always Two Sides?Let’s talk about it.

When Did “Fake News” Enter the World? And Why Are There Always Two Sides?

Let’s talk about it.

Every week, somebody is yelling, “That’s fake news!”

But here’s the real question:

When did fake news actually start?

And why does it feel like every story has two completely different versions?

Spoiler alert: Fake news didn’t start with Facebook.

Fake News Is Older Than You Think

Long before social media, people were bending the truth for power, profit, and persuasion.

📰 Yellow Journalism – 1890s

In the late 1800s, newspapers competed for attention. Publishers exaggerated stories, used dramatic headlines, and sometimes stretched facts to sell papers. This era was called “yellow journalism.”

Some historians argue that sensationalized coverage of the USS Maine explosion helped push America into war. Was it completely fake? Not exactly. But it was emotionally manipulative.

🏛 Ancient Propaganda

Even in ancient Rome, leaders controlled narratives. Rulers used speeches, coins, and public art to shape public opinion. If you controlled the story, you controlled the people.

So no — fake or distorted news did not start in 2016.

The Modern “Fake News” Era

The phrase “fake news” exploded during the 2016 U.S. election, largely popularized by Donald Trump.

Originally, the term referred to completely fabricated online stories designed to go viral and make ad revenue.

But something shifted.

The phrase became a weapon.

Instead of meaning “false information,” it often started meaning:

“News I don’t like.”

And that changed everything.

Why Are There Always Two Sides to a News Story?

Here’s the truth most people don’t want to admit:

1. Perspective Shapes Reality

Two reporters can witness the same event and focus on completely different details.

One might emphasize:

Economic impact

Policy outcomes

Business consequences

The other might highlight:

Social justice

Community reaction

Emotional impact

Both can be factual — yet feel opposite.

2. Media Has Audiences

News outlets are businesses. They know their viewers.

Some networks lean conservative.

Some lean liberal.

Some lean sensational because drama sells.

It’s not always about lying.

It’s about framing.

3. Algorithms Reward Emotion

Social media platforms push content that gets reactions.

Anger spreads faster than calm analysis.

Outrage travels quicker than nuance.

So what happens?

The loudest version wins.

Fake News vs. Biased News

Let’s break it down:

Fake News = Completely false, made-up stories.

Biased News = Selective facts, emotional framing, or one-sided emphasis.

Most of what people argue about today isn’t pure fabrication.

It’s framing.

And framing can feel just as powerful.

The Real Problem: Trust Is Broken

We live in an era where:

People trust influencers more than journalists.

Headlines are read more than full articles.

Clips go viral without context.

The issue isn’t just fake news.

It’s information overload.

When people feel overwhelmed, they retreat to sources that confirm what they already believe.

So What Can You Do?

Instead of asking, “Which side is right?” try asking:

What facts are both sides using?

What facts are being left out?

Who benefits from this narrative?

Am I reacting emotionally or thinking critically?

That’s media literacy.

And in 2026?

It’s survival.

Final Thought

Fake news didn’t suddenly enter the world.

It evolved.

From ancient propaganda

To yellow journalism

To viral clickbait

To politically weaponized language

There have always been two sides to a story.

The difference now?

You see both sides instantly — and you have to decide what to believe.