As the use of bots and AI becomes more sophisticated, inaccurate information floods the internet. Spotting this information isn't always easy, and determining which sources to trust can be very distressing. Because disinformation and misinformation are so prevalent, it's important to be more aware of the information we consume and to vet it the same way you would if you were writing a paper. Here are some tips to consider when deciding which information is credible.
Does this information make you angry? excited? curious? Misinformation often uses emotional appeals to make us less likely to question the logic of the information being presented.
Determine if it's meant to be news presenting an unbiased opinion, someone's opinion, a clever advertisement disguised as news, or if it's meant to be satire or a joke. Knowing what something is can help you determine what to do with the information.
You're less likely to question information when it matches your beliefs. Even if you agree with what someone is saying, it's a good idea to fact-check it and see if other sources are saying the same thing.
Does the message seem overtly aggressive or partisan? Does it seem like the person is screaming at you to get the point across?
If something doesn't seem right, check to see if other information outlets say the same thing. Look more closely to see if the sources have provided sources for their information and check if they have quoted sources accurately.
Find out what others are saying about this source. Is it considered reputable? Are others citing it regularly? Do you notice errors in their copy? If you're unfamiliar with a source, make sure it checks out.
If there's a byline, search for the author to see if they've written about this topic before and what their credentials are. Is their online presence professional?
These tips have been paraphrased from The News Literacy Project, which is an American nonpartisan national education nonprofit, based in Washington, D.C. It provides resources for educators, students, and the general public to help them learn to identify credible information, recognize misinformation and disinformation, and determine what they can trust, share, and act on.