You Have the Power! Overcome Fake News Now!

We all know how easy it is to get caught up in the fast pace of social media. But have you ever wondered if the stuff you're seeing is actually true? Here’s a quick guide to help you figure out what's real and what's not using the SIFT method developed by Amanda Ruggeri.

S is for… Stop

First things first: slow down. The internet moves at lightning speed, but that doesn’t mean you have to. When you see a post that gets you emotional or seems urgent, stop for a moment. “Immediacy is not our friend. Research has found that relying on our immediate ‘gut’ reactions is more likely to lead us astray than if we take a moment to stop and reflect.” Don’t share it or comment right away. Just take a breath and move on to the next step.

I is for… Investigate the Source

Do you know who created the post? If not, now’s the time to find out. “Posts show up in our social media feeds all the time without us having a clear sense of who created them.” Do a quick web search to see if the creator is reputable. Check reliable sites like Wikipedia to see if there’s any background info on them. Ask yourself if they’re a trustworthy media outlet or an expert in the topic. If they’re an individual, do they have any biases? Would you trust them if they said something you didn’t agree with?

F is for… Find Better Coverage

If you’re still unsure about the source, look for better coverage. “What you’re looking for is whether a more trustworthy source, like a reputable news outlet or fact-checking service, has reported and verified the same claim.” Use Google News or fact-checking sites to see if any reliable sources have reported the same claim. You can also use reverse image search tools like TinEye or Yandex to verify photos. Your goal is to see if credible sources back up the information.

T is for… Trace the Claim to Its Original Context

Try to find where the claim originally came from. “You’re trying to find out where the claim came from originally.” Sometimes, even credible sources get their information from other places. Make sure the claim hasn’t been taken out of context. Check if an image or quote matches its original description or if it was edited.

By taking these steps, you can avoid spreading misinformation and make sure what you share is true. It only takes a few minutes, but it can make a big difference. Remember, it’s up to all of us to keep the internet a trustworthy place!

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