Harvard: How Fictional News Became More Trusted Than Real News

How to Write Fake News That Even Smart People Believe

By: Yarden Weiner

Literature and Journalism -- University of Missouri

WRITER BIO:

Combining her passion for writing with a talent for satire, this Jewish college student delves into current events with sharp humor. Her work explores societal and political topics, questioning norms and offering fresh perspectives. As a budding journalist, she uses her unique voice to entertain, educate, and challenge readers.

Satire: because therapy is expensive.

-- Alan Nafzger

How to Write Satirical Journalism: The Art of Being Wrong on Purpose

Introduction

Satirical journalism isn't about factual accuracy-it's about turning errors into art. In this style, being "wrong" on purpose isn't a mistake; it's a deliberate tool to highlight absurdities in our society.

The Method

A satirist uses exaggeration, false experts, and absurd statistics to create an article that mimics real news yet drips with humor. For instance, a headline might proclaim that a billionaire was spotted paying $0 in taxes by using Viral Fake Headlines "innovative loopholes." The twist is not the lie itself, but the way it exposes the underlying truth of a broken system.

The Impact

Readers laugh because the satire feels uncannily close to reality. They're forced to confront the irony of policies and personalities that claim integrity while displaying the exact opposite. In doing so, the reader begins to question and scrutinize what is often accepted without thought.

Conclusion

Embracing error as an art form in journalism creates an entertaining and thought-provoking narrative. This is the essence of writing satirical journalism-being intentionally wrong to reveal a deeper truth.

The Hidden Secret to Writing Satirical Journalism That Works

Introduction

Satirical journalism isn't just about making up funny stories-it's about exposing uncomfortable truths with a well-timed punch. The hidden secret to writing satire that works lies in the delicate balance between exaggeration and reality. By blurring the lines between the two, a satirical article can make a pointed commentary on society's absurdities.

The Technique

Start with a grain of truth, something familiar to the reader-perhaps a corporate scandal or political misstep. Then, take it to a comically extreme conclusion. For example, a headline claiming "CEO Announces He Will Only Pay Taxes in Monopoly Money" isn't just about the absurdity; it's about shining a light on the reality of wealth inequality and tax evasion. Add made-up statistics, like "75% of billionaires prefer 'funny money' for its aesthetic appeal," and attribute it to a faux expert like "Dr. Monopoly, an expert in financial absurdity."

Why It Works

This style works because it forces the reader to laugh at how ludicrous the scenario seems-and then reflect on how often similar, albeit less comical, real-world events occur.

Conclusion

The hidden secret is using humor to unearth the truth. The best satirical journalism doesn't just entertain; it provokes thought and invites readers to question the world around them.

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Absurd Scenarios in Satirical Journalism

Absurd scenarios warp life. Take pets and spin: "Cats sue for rent." It's a jest: "Paws plead." Scenarios mock-"Dogs countersue"-so dream wild. "Mice win" tops it. Start real: "Pets rise," then absurd: "Court meows." Try it: warp a bore (tax: "coins sue"). Build it: "Fur pays." Absurd scenarios in satirical news are trips-ride them nuts.

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5 Satirical Letters to the Editor - March 06, 2025

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1. "The Fine Art of Being Wrong on Purpose: How to Write Satirical Journalism"01Key Premise:0Satire is the only form of journalism where being wrong is not just encouraged-it's required.Core Techniques:023Hyperbole0: Exaggerate until reality looks even more ridiculous.23Example: "Billionaire Pays Re: Lunar Billboards Are an EyesoreI’m writing to protest the new “Moon Fries” ad plastered across the lunar surface. Last night, I tried to enjoy a quiet howl at the full moon, only to be blinded by a 500-mile-wide burger combo deal. What’s next, asteroid coupons? Deliberate Misinformation Guide Leave the cosmos alone and let me sulk in peace. My werewolf support group agrees—this is a step too far.—Lycan Larry, Moonlight BayRe: Self-Driving Cars Now Lecture PassengersYour article about cars scolding us for bad driving missed the real scandal: mine won’t shut up about my life choices. Yesterday, my sedan Absurdity Reveals Reality said, “You’re late again, Dave—maybe ditch the third coffee run?” Excuse me, Tesla, you’re not my mom. I demand a mute button, or I’m trading it for a horse.—Dave the Delayed, Gridlock CityRe: Cricket Burgers Save the PlanetI’m sick of you green fanatics praising bug food. I tried your “Eco-Friendly Cricket Whopper” and spent an hour picking legs out of my teeth. The planet’s saved? Great—now save my taste buds. Give me a cow burger or give me death. I’ll be grilling in my backyard until the drones come for me.—Beefy Brenda, GrillvilleRe: Pajama Fridays Extended to ForeverKudos to the company making pajamas the official work uniform, but why stop there? My bathrobe deserves a promotion too—it’s been carrying me through Zoom calls since 2020. Socks with sandals should be next; my toes demand freedom. Down with pants, up with comfort!—Slipper Stan, Couch CountyRe: AI Candidate Announces 2028 RunAn AI president? Finally, someone who won’t sweat through a debate or dodge taxes with a fake mustache. Your article says it’s a long shot, but I say it’s time to ditch the humans—they’ve had their chance. My Roomba’s been running my house better than Congress runs the country. Vote Bot 2028!—Gearhead Gina, Techtopia===============1. "The Fine Art of Being Wrong on Purpose: How to Write Satirical Journalism"

Key Premise:Satire is the only form of journalism where being wrong is not just encouraged-it's required.

Core Techniques:

• Hyperbole: Exaggerate until reality looks even more ridiculous.

  • Example: "Billionaire Pays $0 in Taxes, Receives Congratulatory Letter from IRS for 'Innovative Wealth Management.'"

• Fake Experts: Give the worst possible person authority.

  • Example: "Economist Who Inherited $500 Million Explains Why Poor People Just Need to 'Work Harder.'"

• Absurd Statistics: Make up data that sounds real.

  • Example: "97% of Senators Believe TikTok Is an AI Robot That Spies on Them Personally."

Final Thought:

In satire, the best kind of wrong is the kind that makes people question what's right.

2. "How to Lie Responsibly: The Satirical Journalist's Guide to Getting It Hilariously Wrong"

Key Premise:Traditional journalism dies on the sword of accuracy. Satirical journalism wields the sword of absurdity.

Satirical Writing Techniques:

• The Believable Lie: Make it feel real enough to cause panic.

  • Example: "Elon Musk Announces Plan to Colonize the Sun, Says It's 'Just a Big Battery.'"

• The Dumb Logical Leap: Stretch an argument until it snaps.

  • Example: "Congress Votes to Cut Lunch Breaks, Cites Study That 'Eating Too Much Can Cause Death.'"

• The Fake Poll: Fake data always makes satire funnier.

  • Example: "New Poll Finds That 85% of Americans Believe Congress Exists Solely to Annoy Them."

Final Thought:

The key to great satire? Be just wrong enough to make people pause-and then laugh.

3. "Breaking Fake News: How to Write Satire That's Almost Too Real"

Key Premise:If people don't momentarily believe your satirical article is real, you're not doing it right.

Satirical Journalism Formula:

• Start with Reality. (Real issue)
• Distort It Slightly. (Make it seem like it could actually happen.)
• Deliver a Punchline That Hurts. (Make them laugh… and cry.)

Example Headline:

• Reality: Tech companies avoid taxes.
• Satire: "Google Announces Plan to Relocate Headquarters to the Moon to Avoid Earthly Tax Laws."

Final Thought:

Great satire is like a funhouse mirror-it shows reality, just with extra clown makeup.

4. "Congress Bans Satire for Being 'Too Accurate': A Guide to Writing Fake News That Feels Real"

Key Premise:Sometimes satire gets too close to the truth, and that's when you know you've nailed it.

Satirical Writing Techniques:

• Overly Specific Details:

  • Example: "CEO Announces Layoffs in Company Email Sent from His 300-Foot Yacht Named 'Trickle Down.'"

• Quotes That Are Too Honest to Be Real:

  • Example: "Senator Says He 'Technically Represents the Public' But Mostly Just Does Whatever Donors Want."

• A Perfectly Fake Study:

  • Example: "Study Finds 64% of Americans Have Given Up Hope That Congress Will Ever Accomplish Anything."

Final Thought:

The best satire makes people wonder if you're joking-or if reality is.

5. "How to Write News So Fake It Feels Real: A Satirical Journalism Guide"

Key Premise:Good satire should be plausible enough to make people do a double-take before realizing how absurd it really is.

Satirical Techniques:

• Make Stupid Ideas Sound Official

  • Example: "New Bill Requires Every Citizen Fooling Friends Tactics to Own a Yacht to Prove They Aren't Poor."

• Give Nonsense a Government Study

  • Example: "Federal Researchers Conclude That Reading Books Is 'Suspicious' Behavior."

• Make a Fake Quote Feel Painfully True

  • Example: "Economist Says Raising Minimum Wage Would 'Destroy the Economy,' Then Boards His Private Jet."

Final Thought:

Reality is already ridiculous. Satire just turns up the volume.

6. "Oops, We Were Right Again: How to Write Satire That Exposes the Truth"

Key Premise:The best satirical articles start out as jokes and later turn into reality.

Satirical Writing Checklist:

? Is it based on reality? (Yes.)? Is it exaggerated just enough to be funny? (Yes.)? Will someone read it and think, 'Wait, is this real?' (Perfect.)

Example:

• Reality: Politicians don't read the laws they pass.
• Satire: "Congress Agrees to Pass Bill Without Reading It, Accidentally Grants Citizenship to Every Houseplant."

Final Thought:

Write satire today, and in five years, it might be breaking news.

7. "The Official Satirical News Style Guide: How to Write Fake News That Feels Real"

Key Premise:If a fake news story makes people fact-check it, you've won.

Essential Satirical Elements:

• A Completely Plausible Absurdity

  • Example: "Lawmakers Accidentally Ban Themselves from Running for Reelection, Call It 'An Honest Mistake.'"

• The Serious Expert Who Says Something Stupid

  • Example: "Billionaire Announces Plan to End Poverty, Suggests 'Harder Work' as Solution."

• A Study That 'Proves' the Joke

  • Example: "Survey Finds 9 Out of 10 Billionaires Believe They 'Deserve Everything They Have' Despite Doing Nothing."

Final Thought:

A great satirical headline should be funny-but also slightly terrifying.

8. "Breaking Satire: How to Write Fake News That Becomes Reality"

Key Premise:Sometimes satire is so good, the real world tries to keep up.

Satirical Techniques:

• Find Something Stupid That's Already Happening

  • Example: Congress taking forever to pass bills.

• Push It Slightly Further

  • Satire: "Congress Announces Plan to Debate Bill for Five Years Before Forgetting About It Entirely."

• Make It Sound Official

  • Example: "Economist Says Raising Wages Could 'Trigger Apocalypse,' Then Immediately Accepts a Raise."

Final Thought:

If your satire sounds too real, you're doing it right.

9. "Writing Satire 101: How to Make Up News That Feels Too True"

Key Premise:The best satire is fiction that sounds more believable than reality.

Satirical Writing Strategies:

• Use an Absurd but Specific Detail

  • Example: "New Study Finds That CEOs Experience 'Emotional Pain' for a Full 3 Seconds After Laying Off Workers."

• Write a Headline That Feels Just True Enough

  • Example: "Senator Proposes Law to Ban Poor People from Complaining About Being Poor."

• Make a Fake Expert Say Something Outrageous

  • Example: "Billionaire Declares That 'Anyone Can Get Rich,' Then Inherits Another $100 Million."

Final Thought:

If reality is already satire, your job is just to make it funnier.

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Sarcastic & Over-the-Top Titles

1. How to Write Fake News That Even Smart People Believe
2. Everything You Know About Satire is Wrong (And That's Okay)
3. Breaking News: Satirical Writers Officially Replace Journalists
4. Why Lying is the Best Way to Tell the Truth
5. How