Evolução das fake news: Categorização e ocorrência na área de alimentos

Abstract

Fake news have become pervasive in the information age. They are embedded in all forms of communication and infiltrate social, political, and economic contexts alike. Their consequences are not merely threats; they already affect and influence elections, wars, and other situations connected to mass media. One of the most vulnerable fields affected by this degradation of knowledge is food science. Despite being a fundamental part of daily life, food science is not widely understood by the general population, creating vulnerabilities that can be exploited by agents of disinformation. Addressing this issue is crucial to maintaining an understanding of collective reality. With this in mind, the present study analyzed the dissemination of fake news in the food sector as part of a broader historical phenomenon tied to the evolution of communication media. Cases of food-related fake news from sources in grey literature (websites, news portals and social networks) were examined, highlighting their impacts on consumer perception, public policies, and the food industry. Each instance was debunked and analyzed against scientific evidence and, where possible, traced back to its origin. The research demonstrated that disinformation has accompanied technological revolutions from antiquity to the digital age and has been amplified by social networks. The analysis further revealed that the spread of disinformation results from the combination of cultural, economic, and mass media factors, reinforcing the need for verification strategies and educational measures. Mitigation approaches to disinformation were demonstrated and applied, considering the social, linguistic, and scientific characteristics of the situations, as well as the intentions and objectives of the creators of fake news. Thus, a precedent has been set for future work with the same scope. The threat to the food sector has proven alarming, and the population's knowledge is already impaired by misinformation. These threats are more challenging when it comes to health, where science is distorted to create fear and confusion. It was concluded that understanding this process is essential for reducing risks to public health and for strengthening social trust in information systems and food production.