Fake News

By Jayden Branam

  With the intensified political climate of the world, the spread of misinformation is becoming increasingly widespread. Not only does this fake news mislead the public, it also steers certain individuals away from politics in general. As the upcoming election approaches, it is important to establish appropriate tactics to differentiate fake news from factual information.

  First and foremost, one should always check the source from which they're receiving information. If the domain of the site is “.edu”, “.org”, or “.gov” there is a greater chance that the information provided by the source is accurate. Furthermore, the facts cited by the author should be clear and unbiased. Publishers of the source should also be well-established and have the necessary credentials. 

  Secondly, do not associate images with definite truth. It is a large misconception that photographs cannot be misleading. Just because a story includes a picture, does not mean that the story is true. It is critical that one assesses the sources of images and figures. Keep in mind that specific placement of images can mold a false narrative. 

Additionally, it is important to be intentional about the wording of your search. Is there confirmation bias? Are you focusing on the information that validates your previously conceived beliefs and disregarding evidence that challenges them?

If additional help is needed, fact-checking tools can be found on Snopes.com and https://www.factcheck.org/.