Evaluating “Truth” in Information
This is meant to serve as a practical guide to how I evaluate the “truth” of any information presented to me. In a time with so much information, it’s important to rely on critical thinking and a combination of tools and methods to determine if something is true. No set of these alone will work for everything—we live in a complex world!
Prerequisite: Accept that you (I, we, all) will fall for false information. I can explain every detail of information and media literacy but that will not make a dent without acknowledging that we will all see and likely fall for misinformation at some point. One of the most promising methods for combating misinformation that has been researched is the “innoculation” method, which inherently requires this acceptance so that you are prepared when you do see false information in day to day life. From there, evaluation can actually begin:
1. Check the Source
Credibility: Evaluate the credibility of the source. Look for information from sources that have a reputation for accuracy and reliability. Are they known for journalistic integrity? Do they have a mission statement or an editorial process visible? Who funds or contributes to getting this information out to people?
Expertise: Consider the author's expertise and credentials on the topic. Experts in a field are more likely to provide reliable information, but also check for any potential conflicts of interest. Again, follow the money.
2. Verify the Claims
Corroboration: Cross-reference claims with other credible sources. Are the claims only supported by biased outlets, or are they recognized by established, reputable sources?
Evidence: Look for the underlying evidence supporting the claims. Reliable information will be backed by clear data, research findings, or documented events.
Note on AI: With AI's growing capabilities, visual and textual evidence may not be as reliable as before. I'll explore more on identifying AI-generated content in a future blog post.
3. Analyze the Language
Emotive Language: Be cautious of content that uses strong emotional language intended to provoke a reaction—fear, anger, or sadness. This is often a tactic in biased or manipulative information.
Bias: Detect bias by assessing if the content presents only one side of an argument or omits important facts that might change the perspective. Can you think of a way that the information might be presented differently? What perspectives are missing?
4. Consider the Purpose
Intention: Think about why the information was published. Is it intended to inform, persuade, entertain, or sell something? Understanding the purpose can help you gauge the potential for bias or manipulation.
Audience: Reflect on who the intended audience is and why the information might be targeted at them. This can also indicate potential bias.
5. Look at the Presentation
Quality: Poor quality or sensationalist visuals can be a red flag. High-quality, clear graphics are more likely to be used by reputable sources. If there are typos, errors, inconsistencies in logos, or anything similar, immediately check further.
Consistency: Check if the information is presented consistently across different platforms. Inconsistencies can suggest manipulation or lack of reliability. With how quickly information moves, facts can often change just as fast. Inconsistencies from low-reliability sources do not invalidate those of high-reliability sources.
6. Use Fact-checking Tools
snopes.com for checking viral stories
factcheck.org for checking viral stories
groundnews.com for checking general media bias
opensecrets.org for tracking where funding goes to/comes from
followthemoney.org for tracking where funding goes to/comes from
fec.org for tracking where funding goes to/comes from
7. Be Skeptical of Social Media
Propagation: Information on social media can spread rapidly regardless of its accuracy. Always verify information from social media with credible sources before accepting it as true. While social media can be a powerful and speedy communication tool across movements, it is also the source with the least guardrails for truth.
Echo Chambers: Be aware of the echo chamber effect, where exposure to only similar viewpoints can reinforce pre-existing beliefs, potentially distorting your perception of truth. Data tracking can make it difficult to escape, as your location, user metadata, and other information will all often impact the information that reaches you even if you try to avoid it.
Conclusion
In an era where information is abundant and not always accurate, becoming a skilled evaluator of content is crucial. By applying these strategies, you can better guard against misinformation and bias, enhancing your ability to make informed decisions based on reliable information. This isn't just about being critical but about cultivating a balanced view that considers various perspectives and sources before drawing conclusions.