How to Navigate the Flood of Information and Distinguish Truth from Lies

Understanding the Dangers of Fake News

As we delve into the complexities of the digital world, the battle between truth and lies becomes more pronounced. The release of the new book, “Fakes Spreading Six Times Faster Than Truth,” aims to shed light on this alarming reality scheduled for publication on November 21.

In today's online environment, where fact and fiction intermingle, fake information often captures more attention than the truth. This trend has been exacerbated in recent years, particularly during elections, influencing outcomes in significant ways. A notable instance occurred during the 2022 Hyogo Prefectural Governor election in Japan, where a candidate sought to support a specific opponent instead of running directly for election. Throughout their campaign, they heavily utilized social media, disseminating slanderous and false information about rival candidates. Unfortunately, many users, unable to discern fact from fiction, took the bait and propagated further negative narratives online.

The phenomenon of spreading misinformation is not without incentive. Buzz and controversy on the internet can lead to direct financial gains, fueling a cycle that prioritizes sensationalism over authenticity. This vicious cycle means that fake news can spread rapidly, overwhelming factual information trying to mitigate its effects. The result is an unsettling scenario where ‘created truths’ blur the line between reality and perception, leading society down a dangerous path towards a dystopia characterized by chaos and misinformation.

In this timely publication, two professionals— a former newspaper journalist often regarded as representative of “old media” and a seasoned web media editor who has observed the digital landscape for years—engage in a compelling dialogue about the imminent risks posed by this misinformation crisis. Through their insights, they explore the profound implications for society at large and the very nature of democracy.

Book Structure:

Chapter 1: The Ocean of Fakes generated by Trump

Chapter 2: The Sensationalist 'Attention Economy' extending in Japan

Chapter 3: The Addiction and Dog Whistles that cause Aggression and a Divided Society

Chapter 4: 'Democracy in Decline' and the 'Fifth Power'

Author Backgrounds

Junichiro Nakagawa

Born in 1973 in Tokyo, Junichiro Nakagawa graduated from Hitotsubashi University’s Faculty of Commerce. After joining Hakuhodo, he initially worked in corporate public relations before transitioning to freelance magazine editing and writing in 2001. His extensive involvement in online news since 2006 has exposed him to the harsh realities of clickbait culture. Overwhelmed by the pressure to generate page views, he left Tokyo in November 2020, relocating to Karatsu City in Saga Prefecture. An array of his works includes “The Web is For Fools and Idle People” (Kobunsha Shinsho).

Hitoshi Inaguma

Born in 1959 in Gunma Prefecture, Hitoshi Inaguma graduated from Kokugakuin University’s Faculty of Literature. He began his career at the Chunichi Shimbun, later serving in various prestigious roles, including Moscow Bureau Chief and Deputy Editor-in-Chief. He departed from Chunichi in 2024 to pursue freelancing. In Nakagawa’s eyes, Inaguma is often remembered as a “Yakuza Journalist” due to his demanding mentorship during their early collaborative interactions. Together, they co-authored “The Chain of Child Abuse” (Kadokawa).