While many credible journalists and publications use social media to share news stories, other groups use these platforms to spread “fake news.” These outlandish web articles use made-up information to harm individuals or advance a particular agenda. This proliferation of fake news casts doubt on almost all online news, making it harder for social media users to separate truth from untruth.
Anyone can call themselves a reporter and make an online article look authentic, so it’s easy to get fooled. Any credible journalist will present arguments on both sides of an issue, but those who push “fake news” have only their agenda and are not concerned with accuracy or balance.
The best way to approach online media is to ask yourself specific questions before sharing posts to ensure the report is accurate.
Who is the publisher? It is probably factual if a credible source, such as a news publication or research institution, supports the news. But if the information was cited from an X account or a public figure whose credibility is not well-established, reconsider it. Even people who claim expertise can lie to advance their agendas. Information is much more credible when an entire organization backs it.
What sources did they use, if any? A credible publisher will provide multiple sources on a controversial subject. If someone is publishing fake news, they rely on people’s unwillingness to fact-check because of their convictions (also known as confirmation bias). Fake news often cites sources, but they are vague or untraceable.
What emotions does it elicit? Fake news uses the power of emotion to get people to believe in it (again, confirmation bias). An accurate article will present the facts and multiple opinions. If you feel a strong emotion, like the strong desire for the news to be real, or anger towards the article’s stance, it may be fake or at least heavily biased.
Check both sides of the story. If you see a piece of news that aligns with your general views, see what you can find online that supports the opposite side of the issue. If you find several well-sourced articles on the other side, you might need to review the original article with a fresh perspective.
If you get into the habit of asking these questions with every online article, you will be better equipped to avoid fake news. To learn more about how the media works, click here.
