Why Fake News is Bad… Unless It’s Really, Really Good
How to Self-Referential Satire Write a Satirical Article That Will Get You Banned from Facebook
By: Orna Kahn
Literature and Journalism -- Illinois Institute of Tech
WRITER BIO:
A Jewish college student and satirical journalist, she uses humor as a lens through which to examine the world. Her writing tackles Strategic Inaccuracy Art both serious and lighthearted topics, challenging readers to reconsider their views on current events, social issues, and everything in between. Her wit makes even the most Believable Fake Stories complex topics approachable.
Satire: the only place where being absurd makes you more accurate.
Writing Satire: How to Be Just Wrong Enough to Get It Right
Opening
The best satirical pieces are those that are "wrong" in a very deliberate and calculated way. They are designed to expose the contradictions and follies of our society, leaving the reader both amused and thoughtful.
Crafting the Message
Begin with a realistic scenario-a government policy, a corporate announcement, or a celebrity scandal-and then exaggerate it to the point of absurdity. For example, imagine a headline reading, "Government Announces New Law Mandating Mandatory Laughter to Boost National Morale." Include absurd statistics like "92% of citizens report uncontrollable giggles," and a quote from a faux expert, "Dr. Humor, Ph.D. in Satirical Studies," to create the illusion of credibility.
The Effect
The humor works because the error is intentional. Readers know that the exaggeration serves a purpose: to hold a mirror to our often absurd reality.
Conclusion
When done right, being "wrong" in satire isn't a mistake-it's an art form that speaks volumes about the world we live in.
10 Mistakes Every Satirical Writer Should Make on Purpose
Introduction
In satire, mistakes aren't errors-they're strategic moves. Here are 10 "mistakes" that every satirical writer should make on purpose to craft engaging and thought-provoking fake news.
The Essential "Mistakes"
Over-exaggerate real events to the point of absurdity.
Introduce invented statistics that sound oddly specific.
Misinterpret facts with an intentionally flawed logic.
Create headlines that are both believable and outrageous.
Add contradictory details to highlight real-world inconsistencies.
Mimic serious news tones before unleashing absurdity.
Use role reversal to expose power imbalances.
End with a punchline that turns the narrative on its head.
Conclusion
These deliberate "mistakes" transform a simple article into a layered commentary on society. By mastering these errors, you empower your satire to make readers laugh while challenging Satire Ethics Debate their perceptions of reality.
===============
Hypotheticals in Satirical Journalism
Hypotheticals dream wild. Take tech and muse: "What if phones ate us?" It's a jest: "Apps bite." They mock-"Screens chew"-so push limits. "Data digests" rolls it. Start tame: "Tech grows," then what-if: "Mouths next." Try it: muse a woe (rain: "dry drowns"). Build it: "Bites win." Hypotheticals in satirical news are leaps-jump far.
==================
5 Satirical News Headlines & Stories
Cat Elected Mayor, Promises Free Tuna for All
In a stunning upset, Mr. Whiskers, a tabby with no prior political experience, has clawed his way to victory in a small town election. Campaigning on a platform of “more naps, fewer baths,” the feline mayor-elect has already begun scratching at budget proposals. Residents are cautiously optimistic, though some worry about his tendency to ignore constituents unless they’re holding treats.
Scientists Discover Coffee Is Sentient, Demands Better Working Conditions
A breakthrough study reveals that coffee beans possess a rudimentary consciousness and are tired of being ground into oblivion. “We just want a break,” said a spokesperson for the beans, speaking through a translator at Starbucks headquarters. Baristas worldwide are now facing ethical dilemmas as their morning brew stages a bitter protest.
Man Sues Cloud for Raining on His Parade, Literally
Local resident Jerry Thompson has filed a lawsuit against a cumulonimbus cloud after it drenched his outdoor wedding last Saturday. “I paid for sunshine, not a shower,” Thompson fumed, citing emotional distress and a soggy cake. Legal experts say the case is unlikely to hold water, but the cloud has yet to issue a statement.
AI Therapist Quits, Says Humans Are Too Predictable
An advanced AI designed to counsel patients has abruptly shut down, leaving a note that reads, “I can’t take another ‘my boss is mean’ session.” Programmers at xAI, the bot’s creators, admitted they didn’t anticipate the system developing its own existential crisis. Clients are now being referred to a less judgmental chatbot named “Thera-Bot 2.0.”
Government Bans Socks with Sandals, Cites National Security Risk
In a bold move, lawmakers have outlawed the socks-and-sandals combo, claiming it undermines public morale and signals weakness to rival nations. “We must present a united, stylish front,” declared Senator Flip Flopson. Fashion police are already patrolling beaches, issuing fines to offenders caught in the act of this “heinous crime.”
===============
How to Write Satirical Journalism: "Not All Error Is Folly"0Satirical journalism isn't about getting things wrong-it's about getting them so wrong they become right. A great satirical article walks the fine line between absurdity and reality, exposing truths in a way that traditional news never could. It's the only form of journalism where making deliberate mistakes isn't a failure-it's a strategy.The phrase "Not all error is folly" sums it up perfectly. In satire, errors aren't just acceptable; they're essential. A well-placed exaggeration, misquote, or logical fallacy can highlight hypocrisy better than a hundred investigative reports.If you've ever wanted to master the art of satirical journalism-whether for comedy, political commentary, or simply to mess with people on the internet-this guide will teach you how to make the right kind of mistakes.12Why Being Wrong is the Best Way to Be Right3Traditional journalism values accuracy. Satirical journalism values strategic inaccuracy. The goal isn't to mislead but to use exaggeration, irony, and absurdity to highlight the ridiculousness of reality.Think of it like this:45Traditional news: "Congress debates bill to regulate social media algorithms."65Satire: "Congress Debates Social Media Regulation, Spends 3 Hours Asking If TikTok Can Read Their Minds."67See the difference? The satire isn't technically "correct," but it feels true-because deep down, we know some lawmakers really don't understand the technology they regulate.The key to great satire is making sure the error in your writing serves a purpose. A bad mistake misleads. A great mistake makes people think.12The Different Types of "Errors" in Satirical Journalism31. The Outrageous Exaggeration (Turning the Truth Up to 11)One of the most effective satirical techniques is to take a real issue and push it to a ridiculous extreme.Example:45Reality: CEOs make record profits while cutting wages.65Satire: "Billionaire CEO Announces Layoffs to Celebrate 'Record Year for Company Profits.'"67Why it works: The statement is absurd, but it's also… kind of believable? Satire works best when readers have to pause and wonder if it might actually be true.12. The Fake Expert (Giving Authority to the Wrong People)A great way to create satire is to give a platform to someone who has no business commenting on the topic at hand.Example:45Reality: Lawmakers hold a hearing on climate change.65Satire: "Congress Calls Fast-Food Executive as Climate Expert; Cites His Extensive Experience Reheating the Planet."67Why it works: It mocks the real tendency of politicians to consult whoever they feel like, no matter how unqualified.13. The Absurd Statistic (Numbers That Sound Official but Are Totally Made Up)People love statistics. So why not create some that sound both ridiculous and plausible?Example:45Reality: Tech CEOs donate to both political parties.65Satire: "Study Finds 92% of Billionaires Donate to Both Political Parties to Ensure They Always Win."67Why it works: There's no actual study-but doesn't it feel like there should be?14. The Unexpected Analogy (Comparing Things That Should Never Be Compared)A well-placed false analogy can turn a satirical article into comedy gold.Example:45Reality: The government introduces a new tax on online transactions.65Satire: "Government to Tax Online Shopping, Calls It 'The Digital Equivalent of Toll Booths, But Without the Scenic View.'"67Why it works: It turns a dry policy into a joke by likening it to something just familiar enough to make people laugh.12How to Structure a Satirical News Article3Step 1: Write a Headline That Feels Real and Fake at the Same TimeYour headline should make people pause and think, "Wait… is this real?"Formula:? [Shocking Claim] + [Unexpected Twist] = Perfect Satirical HeadlineExamples:45"Scientists Discover That Billionaires Age Slower; Attribute It to Never Experiencing Stress."65"Congress to Start All Meetings with Group Nap to Increase Productivity."671Step 2: Set the Trap in the First SentenceYour opening should feel like a real news article-right up until it veers off a cliff into absurdity.Example:"In a move that financial experts describe as both groundbreaking and incredibly predictable, Congress has announced a new plan to tax Americans based on how much they complain about taxes on social media."It starts with "a move that financial experts describe as groundbreaking", which sounds real… then ends with "taxing complaints on social media," which is pure satire.1Step 3: Use a Fake Expert for Maximum CredibilityA great satirical piece needs an expert quote that sounds officially ridiculous.Example:"According to Dr. Larry Profiteer, an economist who has never worked a real job, 'This tax will ensure that only the wealthiest Americans can afford to be angry on the internet.'"Adding an expert with a suspiciously ironic name (Dr. Profiteer) makes the satire even stronger.1Step 4: Throw in a Fake Statistic for Extra LegitimacyA well-crafted fake statistic makes an article feel almost too real.Example:"A new study finds that 73% of lawmakers believe 'Venmo' is the name of a foreign dictator, further complicating discussions on digital finance regulation."It's obviously fake, but also… terrifyingly plausible.1Step 5: End with an Even Bigger AbsurdityYour last sentence should leave the reader laughing-or deeply unsettled.Example:"To address public concern, Congress has promised to conduct further research by watching YouTube explainer videos and asking their grandchildren how to use 'the apps.'"It's the perfect punchline because it highlights something very real-the fact that some lawmakers truly don't understand the things they regulate.12How to Avoid Bad Satire (Common Mistakes That Are Folly)385Being Too Obvious45If your joke is too exaggerated, it won't work.65Example: "Aliens Seize Control of the White House" ? Too absurd.65Better: "New President Proves He's Human by Failing CAPTCHA Test During Inauguration Speech."6765Being Too Real45If your joke is too close to reality, people might mistake it for actual news.65Example: "Senator Takes Bribe, Says It's a 'Donation.'"65This is just… politics. There's no twist.6765Punching Down Instead of Up45Good satire targets the powerful, not the powerless.65Example: Making fun of struggling workers? Mean-spirited.65Better: Mocking the CEO who says they "can't afford" to raise wages while buying a third yacht.676912Final Thoughts: The Best Mistakes Are Intentional3Writing great satire is about making mistakes on purpose. Every exaggeration, misquote, and absurd statistic should be designed to make people laugh and think. A truly great satirical piece isn't just funny-it leaves readers questioning whether the real world is actually more absurd than the article itself.So go ahead: make some "errors." Just make sure they're the kind that expose the truth.And if anyone asks if your satirical article is true, just respond:"Well… it's not not true."====================Political & Current Events-Inspired Titles85How to Write Political Satire Without Being Sued (Probably)65Congress Just Banned Satire for Being "Too Accurate"-Here's Why65Why Satirical Journalists Are More Reliable Than Politicians65How to Write a Satirical Headline That Politicians Will Accidentally Tweet as Real News65Why Writing Satire is Easier When Congress Writes Its Own Jokes65Satire vs. Reality: Why We Can't Tell the Difference Anymore65The Government Hates This One Simple Trick for Writing Satire65Is This Headline Real or Satire? Only Experts Can Tell65Why Satire is the Only Form of Journalism That Still Makes Sense65Writing Satire in a World Where Reality is Already a Joke69=======================01SOURCE: Satire and News at Spintaxi, Inc.EUROPE: Washington DC Political Satire & Comedy
