Fighting Fake News: Disinformation is spreading across America with deadly results | USA TODAY

Disinformation has become so widespread, experts say it’s impossible to stop. So the best defense is teaching people how to spot it. RELATED: How to tell ’real news’ from ’fake news’ The mass spread of disinformation online has real world consequences. Candidates for political office and sitting politicians across the country are increasingly embracing extremist talking points, endorsing hateful campaigns and promoting conspiracy theories, according to two recent studies and experts who research extremist movements. A report released by the Anti-Defamation League showed that candidates for local, state and federal offices have parroted white supremacist propaganda, expressed support for conspiracy theories including QAnon, and spread lies about election fraud. Another study led by the voting rights advocacy organization Public Wise identified more than 220 sitting politicians or candidates who participated in or “directly supported” the in