With so much information at our fingertips, it’s easy for the line between fact and fiction to blur. The spread of misinformation is a near constant in our society, with the speed and quantity of inaccurate information increasing significantly during major world events like the Olympics, elections, or global crises. Social media in particular plays the largest role in the spread of misinformation, and the spread of it can pose significant risks to society by influencing public opinion, endangering public health, or even deepening social divides. Which is why it’s so important that you, as a consumer, are wary of what you see online.

How Can You Identify Misinformation?

Identifying misinformation requires a critical eye. Always evaluate the credibility of the source – is it a reputable news outlet or an unknown website? Is it a random person online, claiming they know someone “on the inside”? It’s very important to know where your information is coming from. Critical thinking is essential; consider the context, the author's credentials, and whether the information is supported by evidence.

Here are the steps you should take when you run across a viral post that makes you even the smallest bit suspicious:

Examine the Source

• Credibility: Check if the source is reputable. Established news organizations and official websites are generally more reliable.
• Author: Look for the author’s credentials. Are they an expert in the field? Do they have a history of accurate reporting?

Check the Date

• Timeliness: Ensure the information is current and relevant. Old news or outdated statistics can sometimes resurface and cause confusion.

Cross-Verify Information

• Multiple Sources: Look for the same information from multiple credible sources. If only one source is reporting it, be cautious.
• Consistency: Check if the facts are consistent across different reports. Misinformation often involves inconsistencies.

Analyze the Content

• Bias: Identify any potential bias in the reporting. Is the information presented in a neutral tone, or does it seem to push a particular agenda?
• Emotional Language: Be wary of posts that use sensational or emotionally charged language. Misinformation often tries to provoke strong reactions.

Check for Supporting Evidence

• Citations and References: Reliable posts usually provide sources for their information. Check these references to verify their authenticity.
• Original Sources: Go to the original source of the information if possible. Secondary reporting can sometimes misinterpret or exaggerate facts.

It can be exhausting to always be on your toes, but unfortunately, it’s our responsibility as consumers. While the internet is a main contributor to the almost parasitical spread of misinformation, it can be helpful in helping disprove or fact-check stories or viral posts. Here are some great resources for you to use the next time you need to check in on something!

Recommended Fact-Checking Websites

1. Snopes : One of the oldest and most well-known fact-checking sites, covering a wide range of topics.

2. FactCheck.org: A project o f the Annenberg Public Policy Center, focused on political claims but also covers other topics.

3. PolitiFact: Run by t he Poynter Institute, it rates the accuracy of claims made by elected officials and others.

4. Reuters Fact Check : A section of the Reuters news service dedicated to debunking false information.

5. AP Fact Check: The Associa ted Press’s fact-checking service, providing analysis of statements and claims.

6. BBC Reality Check : The BBC's dedicated team for verifying and debunking false stories and claims.

7. Google Fact Check Explorer : A tool that allows you to search for fact checks on a specific topic.

Using these steps and resources, you can better navigate the sea of information on social media and reduce the risk of falling for misinformation. Be smart, be responsible, and help make the internet a little bit healthier of a place!