New study suggests fake news might have won Donald Trump the 2016 election

[Inmate Trump]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2018/04/03/a-new-study-suggests-fake-news-might-have-won-donald-trump-the-2016-election/?utm_term=.cfe4612d0ccd

[ChinaSoc]

Fake news and Russia did not create american racism.

Donald Trump is just a typical fascist reaction of the petit bourgeoisie afraid to lose their possessions to groups them deem undesirable, it was the jews in the 30s, it's mostly latinos now.

[Progressive Pessimist]

Didn't we already know this. Okay, it may not have been the ultimate factor but was definitely one of many in an election that was extremely close.

I have an anecdotal example. I remember seeing a friend on Facebook share a story about Clinton Foundation money being linked to ISIS. The source was not the least bit reputable and my friend bought it and decided not to vote after reading it. For all I know, he didn't vote at all. But he too lived in New Jersey so it didn't matter too much ultimately. But let's not deny that there could have been people like this in Florida, Michigan, Pennsylvania, or Wisconsin. The comments under the post were some of the most depressing things I have ever read as those people commenting too bought it hook, line, and sinker. There were some comments pushing back at its lack of authenticity but it didn't matter. It appealed to emotions and unfortunately that can often triumph over rationality.

It was a factor. We all need to accept this.