Faktafakta

Faktafakta is a term used in Indonesian-language online discourse to describe information that is presented as factual but is false or misleading. The word blends fakta (fact) with the sense of fake, emphasizing that the claim is stated as a fact despite lacking accuracy or being distorted. The origin of the term is not tied to a single author or source; it has developed through digital media discussions and fact-checking conversations on social networks and messaging platforms.

In usage, faktafakta commonly refers to a wide range of content, including misleading statistics, misattributed quotes, out-of-context images, or sensational claims that circulate with little or no corroboration. It is often spread through memes, captioned posts, or forwarded messages, sometimes exploiting cognitive biases such as confirmation bias or the appeal of novelty. The label serves as a heuristic for readers to question the veracity of a claim before accepting it as truth.

Impact and response are central to faktafakta discussions. When widespread, faktafakta can erode trust in credible information, distort public debate, and influence opinions or behavior. Mitigation typically involves media literacy education, diligent fact-checking, source verification, and platform policies that promote transparency and context. Researchers and educators emphasize critical evaluation of claims, checking primary sources, and differentiating between opinion, interpretation, and verifiable fact. See also misinformation, fact-checking, and media literacy.