Valeuutisten

Valeuutiset are false or misleading news stories presented as factual reporting. They are often disseminated through websites that imitate legitimate news outlets, as well as via social media posts, messaging apps, or doctored images and videos. Their purposes can include influencing opinions, spreading propaganda, provoking controversy, or generating advertising revenue, and they frequently target politics, public health, or social issues.

Etymology and usage: The term comes from Finnish vale, meaning false or deceitful, and uutinen, meaning news. In Finnish media discourse, valeuutiset describe content designed to resemble real journalism but lacking verifiable sourcing or factual basis. The label can refer to completely fabricated stories as well as distorted or cherry-picked narratives.

Characteristics and channels: Valeuutiset often feature sensational headlines, fabricated quotes, and manipulated media. They spread through social networks, messaging groups, blogs, and pseudo-news sites that mimic credible outlets. They thrive in misinformation ecosystems and can exploit cognitive biases and algorithmic amplification. While valeuutiset are commonly associated with deliberate deception (disinformation), the term is sometimes used more broadly to include erroneous or misleading reporting.

Impact and responses: Valeuutiset can erode trust in journalism, influence political processes, polarize public opinion, and undermine public health efforts. Responses include media literacy education, fact-checking and source verification, transparent journalistic practices, and platform-level measures such as labeling, reducing reach, or removing harmful content.