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Facebook is testing a new 'satire' tag for spoof news articles

Finally, a solution for all those out there who never get the joke.

Aug 16th 2014, 5:02 PM 2,771 Views 2 Comments

IF YOU ALWAYS get fooled by those sneaky satirical news articles, fear no more.

Facebook is currently testing a new ‘satire’ tag that will single out spoof news stories on the News Feed and prevent any embarrassing slip ups.

(Meanwhile, the rest of the world asks: “Does Facebook think we’re too stupid to get a joke?”)

mPbSXLn-640x561 Source: Screenshot via Ars Technica

So next time you see an article from Waterford Whispers or The Onion pop up in a ‘Related Articles’ box, it could have the [Satire] tag slapped beside it.

A Facebook spokesperson confirmed the move to Ars Technica, saying:

We are running a small test which shows the text ‘[Satire]‘ in front of links to satirical articles in the related articles unit in the News Feed. This is because we received feedback that people wanted a clearer way to distinguish satirical articles from others in news units.

Although you might be able to tell the real from the not-so-real, some people need a little help along. Something else to feel smug about.

Well, if it’ll stop stuff like this happening again, it may be of some use.

waterfordwhispers

More: Here’s what you need to know about the concerns over Facebook’s Messenger app>

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About the author

Valerie Loftus

@valerieloftus

valerie@dailyedge.ie

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Facebook is testing a new 'satire' tag for spoof news articles

Finally, a solution for all those out there who never get the joke.