Tips for Becoming and Staying Informed

The irony is not lost on me that we have access to more information at our fingertips than ever before, yet becoming and staying informed is more than a fulltime job.

Now, more than ever, we have to be able to critically evaluate the information we consume. Here are a few ways to do exactly that.

• Question Sources:
  Imagine you come across a headline stating, "Local Herbal Supplement Cures Diabetes Overnight!" Instead of immediately believing or sharing this claim, take a moment to question its source. Check if the article is published by a well-known medical institution, a government health agency, or a reputable scientific journal. If it's from a little-known website with sensationalist language, check the site's "About Us" section and research its editorial standards. A little skepticism helps you avoid taking potentially misleading health information as fact.

• Cross-Verify Information:
  If you read a social media post about a political scandal, instead of accepting it at face value, search for the same story on well-known news websites or fact-checking sites. Use search engines or aggregated news sites to see if multiple independent sources are reporting the same fact.

• Understand Bias:
  A news outlet known for a particular political leaning might present information in a way that favors one perspective. If you see a story on that outlet, try to find the same story on a more neutral or oppositely leaning site to compare how each presents the facts. Visit Ground.news to learn the political leanings of different news outlets.

• Reliable Fact-Checking Websites:
  If you come across a viral post claiming that a prominent politician supports a conspiracy theory about 5G networks causing widespread health issues, check reliable fact-checking websites such as Snopes, FactCheck.org, or PolitiFact. These sites typically provide detailed explanations about where the claim originated and evaluate its accuracy. Bookmark these sites so you can easily access them whenever you need to verify a claim quickly.

• Digital Tools:
  Example: Browser extensions such as NewsGuard or Media Bias/Fact Check can provide instant credibility ratings on websites you visit. If you’re browsing a news site and see an unfamiliar article, these tools can alert you to any red flags.
  SurfSafe is a browser extension that helps users identify fake news, especially misleading or altered images.

• Think Before You Share:
  Before retweeting a startling statistic about a public health issue, take a moment to verify it with a reputable source. Ask yourself if the claim might be misinterpreted or taken out of context by others. Read the full article rather than just the headline or a snippet before you share.

• Report Misinformation:
  On platforms like Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, if you see a post that seems to spread dangerous misinformation (e.g., false claims about vaccines), use the platform’s reporting tools. This helps reduce the visibility of harmful content.

• Follow Credible Sources:
  Instead of following a personal blog with unverified opinions on climate change, follow established organizations like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) or reputable news agencies like Reuters. Curate your social media feed by unfollowing sources that frequently share unverified or sensational content.

• Avoid Confrontation:
  When discussing misinformation with others, try to be empathetic and patient. If a friend shares a misleading post about a political issue, rather than calling them “misinformed” or “ignorant,” start by asking questions such as, “I saw a different perspective on that. Can you share where you found your information?” Use “I” statements to express your perspective (e.g., “I was surprised to read that…”).

• Share Reliable Information:
  If you come across someone sharing a claim that a common food additive is harmful, you might respond with links to studies or reports from trusted sources like the FDA or peer-reviewed journals that provide context and factual details.

• Ask Questions:
  When someone posts a sensational headline without evidence, ask, “What evidence is there to support this claim?” or “Have you seen the original study or data behind this?” Avoid “gotcha” questions; instead, word your questions in a way that invites discussion.

• Learn How Misinformation Spreads:
  Subscribe to newsletters or podcasts that focus on media literacy and critical thinking. This could include following organizations like the News Literacy Project or academic lectures that discuss how misinformation spreads.

• Attend Workshops or Webinars:
  Look for online webinars hosted by universities, libraries, or non-profit organizations that cover topics like “Spotting Fake News” or “Understanding Media Bias.” These events can provide hands-on tips and current strategies for evaluating information. Many of these events are free and can be a great way to network with others interested in media literacy.

• Check for Blindspots

  Use Ground News, a platform that makes it easy to compare news sources, read between the lines of media bias and break free from algorithms. Articles from different outlets covering the same event are merged into a single story, making it possible to get multiple perspectives in one place.

• Share Your Knowledge:
  Host a small discussion group with friends or community members where you share tips on spotting misinformation. You might walk through a few examples and demonstrate how to verify sources, similar to a mini-workshop. Use everyday examples that resonate with your community, like local news stories or common social media trends.

• Participate in Community Initiatives:
  Many libraries and community centers host media literacy workshops or discussion groups. Participating in or even volunteering to help organize these events can amplify your impact on spreading critical thinking skills locally. Look for online communities or local meet-ups that focus on current events and media literacy, and consider starting one if it doesn’t exist in your area.

Have a suggestion to add to this list?

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