# 3. Why is it being spread?

You now know the different kinds of fake news. There are also several reasons for spreading fake news:

The commercial gain: On social media more clicks means more income. So-called clickbait tries to tempt people to click on sensational headlines. Whether the content of the article is correct is of little to no importance, the aim is to earn money.

To influence: By spreading disinformation or propaganda, an attempt is made to influence public opinion. In 2017, for example, Russia tried to manipulate the French elections.

To cause harm: People, organizations and countries can be discredited by spreading disinformation. By using, for example, manipulated images to rouse suspiscion about certain countries, politicians or groups of people.

To criticize: The aim is to make people think. You see this in satire, where criticism is delivered in a humorous way.

Find out more!

What is the difference between real news and fake news and why is it spread? 'Online Masters' explains it in this video: