7 Proven Ways To Spot Misinformation

There’s no denying how quickly information spreads, both truth and lies. Social media, forums, new channels, and viral videos fill up our phone screens every day with a plethora of info. 

But how do you know what’s legitimate and what’s fake news? 

Some news sources are undeniably more reliable than others. 

Many even pride themselves on spreading false information, putting the world in an uproar. On the bright side, the world seemed to open its eyes to this a bit and spend more time fact-checking the latest ‘dirt’ they received. 

Even 15 % of consumers admitted to reducing the amount of news they read overall.

Who doesn’t want to be better informed and spot misinformation? 

We’ve got seven effective ways to help you decipher what to believe and stop spreading rumors.

1. Cross-Check Sources

Relying on one source of information is usually not a great method of gaining accurate knowledge, that is unless you prefer misinformation. 

Make it a habit to cross-check information with multiple reputable sources. If it can be found across a few different trustworthy platforms, chances are good it can be real. 

But if a piece of news can only be found on one obscure website and cannot be confirmed, your awareness should be heightened that something is off.

The takeaway:

• Verify the info is accurate by cross-checking across multiple reliable sources.
• When trusted platforms report the same story, the credibility increases.

Keep this in mind to help you avoid believing and spreading fabricated or biased information.

2. Don’t Trust the Headline 

We’ve all seen those wild headlines that reel us in like a fish on a hook. How many times have you read on just to realize the content has zero relation to the headline? 

Don’t be a sucker fish; Remember, headlines designed to grab your attention usually do so by exaggerating or distorting the facts.

They are often the first thing we see, and before reading on, we tend to shape our perception of a story. 

That means don't let the headline be the sole basis of your judgment. If a catchy headline draws you in, proceed with an open mind and get the complete picture before reacting or sharing.

3. Source Credit Score

All sources are not created equal. Just as you should investigate the headline, you must research the reputation and credibility of the source. 

Trustworthy platforms and reliable authors will adhere to journalistic standards and ethics.

With the expanding world of AI, misinformation is more prevalent than ever. Algorithms are being used to generate fake news articles, social media posts, and comments - making it appear as if the information is coming from a legitimate source. 

It can be tough to spot but stay on the lookout for AI-generated content. The information can appear quite convincing with the help of AI, so assess source credibility and always double-check facts. 

As the saying goes, if it’s “too good to be true,” it most likely is.

4. Check Relevancy

Okay, so we are all for recycling plastic, paper, and other reusable materials. News, on the other hand, not so much.

Some sources love to share outdated news as “breaking news.” Recycling old news as such is actually, you guessed it… fake news. 

Always check the publication date of an article or post before reading, and especially before sharing.

The only thing worse than sharing outdated news is someone pointing it out in the comments.

5. Manage Manipulated Media

We touched a bit on AI already, but I feel like we need to dive a bit deeper. A picture is worth a thousand words, but the AI-generated ones seem to need a little decoding, too. 

Look for signs of image manipulation and video editing, and always be skeptical of content that appears too perfect.

A report released by Freedom House, a human rights advocacy group, documented the use of generative AI in 16 countries “to sow doubt, smear opponents, or influence public debate.” Translation: AI tools have made misinformation more sophisticated, harder to spot, and more likely to spread. 

Keep an eye out for subtle anomalies or inconsistencies that might indicate AI-generated manipulation.

6. Investigate Claims with Fact-Checking Websites

So, you didn’t get tricked by the headline; you confirmed the source, you checked the date, and you investigated photos for AI manipulation, but the information still seems outlandish. Now what?

News articles with large dubious claims should also be researched further. Using fact-checking websites, you can consult claims to verify they have been independently verified.

Think of these websites like a little lie detector test. They scrutinize claims and statements, providing you with cold, hard facts.

Double-check the accuracy of information with this invaluable resource and separate fact from fiction when you come across controversial or unbelievable stories.

7. Be Wary of Echo Chambers

It’s normal to surround yourself with like-minded individuals but don’t let their words be the only ones you listen to or trust. Try venturing out of your comfort zone at times and seek out new, diverse viewpoints. You’ll gain new perspectives and see the bigger picture.

Friends are great, but their judgment may be misleading. 

Again, who is their source? 

Plus, if you only engage with people who share your beliefs, you’ll never experience contrasting viewpoints or open the window to further analysis. 

Make better, more informed decisions by:

• Taking advantage of sources offering different perspectives. 
• Engaging with diverse voices to expose yourself to a wider range of information.

As with any online search, be cautious of phishing websites and other cyberattacks - the ultimate source of misinformation. 

You can take advantage of VPN black Friday deals and count on a Virtual Private Network to encrypt your connection and keep hackers and other cybercriminals away. 

Conclusion

Don’t be responsible for spreading fear or false information. Make informed, well-educated decisions and empower yourself to identify when to audit the content provided. 

Use these steps to help contribute to the growth of more valuable, accurate information out there and eliminate the spread of fake news. 

Be known as a credible source by your friends, family, and coworkers alike to gain knowledge on all the hot topics.

(Disclaimer: Devdiscourse's journalists were not involved in the production of this article. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of Devdiscourse and Devdiscourse does not claim any responsibility for the same.)