Consuming News and Media, Avoid Misinformation

In the midst of the ongoing devastation in Israel and Palestine, the power, tools and responsibility to spot fake news is crucial. In this age of rapid information dissemination, and with social media platforms and sometimes even mainstream media outlets failing to provide verification of events as they unfold, false narratives can quickly incite anger, prejudice, and violence. Too often, people on social media are preoccupied with being first, rather than with being right. Misinformation and disinformation exacerbates hostilities and deepens societal divides, with direct repercussions on the lives of those directly involved, but also on communities around the globe.

Here is a resource on “how to spot fake news” from the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions. 

🔍 Consider the Source: Click away from the story to investigate the site, its mission and its contact info.

🧐 Read Beyond: Headlines can be outrageous in an effort to get clicks. What’s the whole story?

📝 Check the author: Do a quick search on the author. Are they credible? Are they real?

🔗 Supporting sources? Click on those links. Determine if the info given actually supports the story.

📅 Check the Date: Reposting old news stories doesn’t mean they’re relevant to current events.

💭 Check your biases: Consider if your own beliefs could affect your judgement.

🃏 Is this a joke?: If it’s too outstandish, it might be satire. Research the site and author to be sure.

💡 Ask the expert: Consult people you trust are experts on the topic or go to a fact-checking website.

📚 Source: International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA)