Thanks to the Internet, we have access to an immeasurable amount of information. Therefore, it is often difficult to put order and detect what is true and what is not. Many people believe in fake news, regardless of age or social status.
We’ve all been impacted by headlines like “Dutch Scientists Prove Coronavirus Doesn’t Exist”, “Unvaccinated People Held in Concentration Camps in Australia”, or “HIV Infected Needles Put in Movie Theater Seats”. These examples of myths are spreading across the web worldwide and are now known as “fake news”. “fake news”.
- Find the source of information
The first thing you should do is check where the information comes from. There may be several options. It is important to understand that even the most reputable and relevant media can publish nonsense, in fact, all major ones, such as BBC, The New York Times e paris match, made more than one mistake. This verification step is primarily required to filter out sources determined to be “definitely untrustworthy”. This type of indication can be given to humorous news (even the most serious journalists sometimes believe in fake news) and those weird messages we get on WhatsApp.
- Look for original source links
Any information that claims to be reliable must contain links to primary sources, you must not trust any article or publication that does not contain references and links to the origin of the fact. So the next step is to check the links. It all depends on the context. For example, if text describes an event abroad, it should contain links to local publications in the original language. If not, how did the authors find out about this event? References to official publications or scientific studies are also a good sign of credibility.
BUT: Researchers create platform that detects fake news with 96% accuracy
- Check the specific facts
Any text, video or audio has particular facts that can be verified by other sources. It is often about names, dates, geographic locations, scientific data, etc. This information can be verified with a quick internet search. The search engine companies themselves give you more information about all the features of the most complex searches.
- Discover the source's intentions
The first three tips relate to fact-checking, but beyond that, the tone in which information is presented is important. Even if authors don't spread lies, the right emphasis and carefully selected facts in an article can distort the picture and sway your opinion. Therefore, it is useful to consider the intent or editorial line of the content, this will help you weigh the information you receive more objectively.
- pay attention to details
If the basic facts seem coherent, pay attention to the details: images, quotes, terms and frequent use of superlatives. Let's address each point separately:
- Images can be modified using Photoshop and other editing tools. To see if an image has been altered, try searching for the original image with Google Image Search.
- Quotes are often taken out of context, as recently with this quote from the World Economic Forum: "You will have nothing and you will be happy." Even a quick search on the internet with just the first few words will usually give you access to the complete panorama that will allow you to understand the complete context in which a certain subject was discussed.
- Authors may use a lot of “clever” words to confuse the reader, especially in science-related texts. Don't be lazy: look up the meanings of terms that are key to understanding the material. You don't need to look for specialized publications to know that they are lying to you; a couple of clicks and a visit to Wikipedia is usually enough.
- “This is the law more important in history" or "Before you, the most honest" are some examples of the use of superlatives. In abundance, they can be a red flag. Chances are the authors are trying to convince you or sell you something.
But not all fake news is intentional lies, it often arises due to common mistakes. Anyone can believe fake news, as a rule, neither higher education nor life experience completely protects us from this. So be sure to check the information, if not all of it, at least the one that really impacts your life.
