With fake news making a return to our generation, proliferated by social media, it is important to understand the signs of fake news and how to find legitimate news outlets.
Be careful with TV News
This is not to say don’t trust your local TV stations, because they are very important. I’m referring to the 24-hour networks like CNN, MSNBC and Fox. They have their normal news going on in the morning up until the afternoon. However, the late afternoon and evening portions are what you have to be weary of. “The Rachel Maddow Show” or “The O’Reilly Factor” is partially news and partially opinions or commentary.
No, I’m not calling those programs fake news, but it’s not hard news if you’re giving your opinion about it on the side. Real news is reporting without any bias or commentary on the journalist’s part. This is not saying you can’t watch these shows, but if you are looking to get the facts - probably not the best source.
Beware Facebook
What I like about Facebook is that it displays what is the most talked about topic at the moment, from hard news to entertainment (similar to Twitter). But, be careful with links! After Facebook caught some heat over the fake news issue during election, they took a lot of steps to keep themselves clean and the issue minimized.
Now when you click, they will recommend the top rated or most popular news outlets (New York Times, Fox, Washington Post, etc.). But, there will always be those certain articles that will draw you in with their catchier headlines or interesting cover photos. It’s safer to pull up another tab and go directly to the news website you’re familiar with. It doesn’t take a lot of effort, and will save you the hassle of finding out what’s true and not true later.
Be consistent with your sources
What I mean by that is, if possible, look at two to three online articles about certain news events going on to make sure the information is consistent. If I read an article by the Washington Post, CNN, and Fox about an event has happened, and most of the information reported is very similar, then there is reason to believe that what happened is legitimate.
Politics can get messier, but again, if you are dedicated to understanding what is really going on, whether it’s politics, civics or international events, spend a little extra time doing so.
Be guided by reasoning rather than emotion
This is the most difficult thing I can suggest because it is in our human nature to use our beliefs, values and feelings about issue to actually read and comprehend what is going on in the world.
It’s an easy, automatic and unconscious brain process. Say if I think abortion should be illegal, and I see an article about pro-life, I’ll be more likely to look at that than another article that could be general reporting about abortion developments with facts and figures.
That’s a simplified version of the psychology behind it, but we are drawn to things we recognize or are familiar with - similarity. But, we cannot always allow things to align with our beliefs to dominate the logistics of events and situations.
These suggestions take more effort, but if you want to understand the whole issue, then you have to be willing to spend more time understanding. Legitimate journalists work really hard, and even risk their lives sometimes, to bring us information to keep the fake news sites at bay.
