Understanding Fake News and Its Rise Amid Crisis

Periods of crisis are often accompanied by a rapid increase in misinformation and fake news. During times of crisis, false information tends to spread faster and reach larger audiences which raises an important question: Why does fake news rise during crises? This knowledge brief argues that crises create ideal conditions for the spread of misinformation because people experience fear, uncertainty, and an urgent need for information. In such situations, individuals actively search for updates and are more likely to trust and share unverified content, particularly when it appears to provide immediate answers. Drawing on existing literature and examples from COVID-19, geopolitical conflicts, and economic rumors in Pakistan, the brief identifies why people share fake news and what factors contribute to the rise of fake news. The brief concludes that fake news during crises is not simply a consequence of technological change but a product of human behavior interacting with digital media systems that requires effective management both on individual and state level.