In this post-truth era, the growing scourge of fake news and information is adversely affecting people’s perceptions and beliefs. The consumption of fake news and information can lead to poor decisions about matters both trivial and, alarmingly, consequential. Once they are uncritically accepted as valid, fake news and information become persistent and difficult to correct.
Countering fake news and information is crucial in helping to correct these misperceptions and misinformation. Indeed, debunking fake news and information is important public policy, educational, and social goals. People need to be better prepared to challenge and reject fabrications that circulate as untruthful texts and images, especially in the digital realm.
How can fake news and information be countered? Its corrosive spread and effects can be addressed by exposing misinformation and instructing individuals in best practices of information literacy, including how to identify, examine and evaluate information.
The corrosive effects of fake news and information can be undermined by exposing and limiting its spread. A recent article on debunking misinformation, published in the academic journal Psychological Science and covered by The New York Times, offers three broad recommendations for exposing misinformation.
First, limit arguments supporting misinformation. If misinformation must be repeated, it is best practice to limit its description. Repeating misinformation strengthens it, even when it is being repeated to reveal its falsity.
Limit its description and arguments favouring it, otherwise it can be inadvertently reinforced.
Second, encourage scrutiny of all information. It is wise to be sceptical of information because it helps foster great critical engagement and better information literacy practices. Labelling news as fake is not usually as convincing to people who already believe it; instead, it is useful to foster their own scepticism by explaining to them the reasons why it is untrue. In other words, do not just claim something is false. Do not do all the work in exposing the falsity for others, but rather, help them to expose it themselves.
Interpret the tone of the information to determine if it is serious, satire or fake. This helps differentiate between perspective and bias
Third, present new information. Fake news spreads in relatively closed information environments or echo chambers. But providing new and credible information can help undermine the misinformation. This new and credible information helps people to reassess and update their understanding and can help show them how they may have originally believed the falsehood.
In addition to exposing and limiting it, fake news and information can further be countered by teaching people about information literacy. The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, for instance, presents a robust guideline to help people begin developing information literacy skills by assessing the accuracy, legitimacy and reliability of news and information.
First, consider the source. Investigate the website by exploring its contents including its mission, policies, and contact details. A legitimate source will clearly state its credentials, describe its practices, and show how to get in touch with it.
Second, go beyond the headline of a story. Sometimes fake news and information sources will feature sensational titles – often referred to as clickbait – to capture attention and entice consumption. Sometimes they will feature serious, but misleading, headlines or titles that seem legitimate.
Further reading of either kind of headline or title will reveal if the source is credible, satirical, or fake. If it is fake, the information will become increasingly outrageous, accompanied by poor quality composition and research. Thus, read the whole text, watch the entire video, or listen to the audio in full.
Third, check the author’s credentials. Conduct some background research on the author to determine if they are legitimate. Check to see if the author is a real journalist, researcher, or expert. Fake news reports are typically not produced by credible journalists, researchers, or experts. They are usually written by unqualified individuals who deliberately create false stories and information.
Fourth, consider the supporting sources of the story or website. Credible news reports and legitimate websites will clearly attribute the research upon which their information is based and show where to find it. Examine them to see if these references support the information.
Fifth, note the date in order to see if the information is current or relevant. Some fake reports or websites will recycle and decontextualise old information and present it as current and relevant.
Sixth, interpret the tone of the information to determine if it is serious, satire, or fake. This helps differentiate between perspective and bias. Presenting information from a particular viewpoint is not equivalent to selecting and distorting facts to suit a story. The tone will help show whether or not the information is credible.
Seventh, acknowledge your own biases to recognise if your personal beliefs may affect the way you search for information or consume news. Check your passion. If the information incites you, ask yourself why that is the case, reconsider the content, and repeat the previous six steps.
Finally, consult experts when the news or information remains unclear or is too opaque to fully comprehend. One can approach a librarian, professional, and/or a fact-checking website to acquire assistance on determining the trustworthiness of the news or information.
Exposing, limiting, and developing information literacy skills to address fake news and information are some important ways in which this scourge can be stopped. People must not be apathetic or complicit in its creation and spread. We must all, instead, be active in countering it for both society’s and our own benefit.
Marc Kosciejew is a lecturer at the University of Malta.