War of the Worlds is perhaps the most infamous example of fake news in history. In 1938 in America, there was a radio show performed live on a broadcast. Back then, people didn’t have the same knowledge about space and extra-terrestrial life as we do now.

The show was so dangerous, because most of the people started watching it mid-way through – because another show on another radio station had ended. Because of this, lots of people didn’t realise that this was only a play and they fully believed it. It led to a spread of panic and even a small wave of suicides. The next morning people were told the truth, but it was already too late for some.

This is an example of fake news that wasn’t intentional. Even though it did massive damage and made the creator of this “fake news performance” famous.