These days, you can’t tune into politics without hearing the phrase ‘fake news’ being tossed around. Unfortunately, misinformation has a way of surreptitiously seeping into all forms of media.
With the growing prevalence of baseless facts and erroneous allegations, audiences are finding it difficult to distinguish fact from fiction.
It’s for this reason why many are taking precautionary measures to ensure that the information they’re digesting is rooted in truth. In the hopes of keeping illusions at bay, here are some tips that’ll help you recognize fake news.
Consult With A Search Engine
If you can’t corroborate a story, don’t waste your time entertaining it. Most factual information can easily be found online.
If journalists can’t confirm that a story is true or false, they won’t jeopardize their reputation by writing on it. If an all-knowing source like Google can’t prove something, you can go ahead and deem that data as inaccurate.
In essence, you should assume that all information is false until it’s been proven true.
Check The Account
Many social media users are duped by amateurs who are masquerading as reputable media outlets.
Before you begin reading, check the source. If it’s obvious that the account is a spoof, continue scrolling. One glaring red flag is an unverified account.
Verified profiles have undergone examination and been approved as a notable source. A little inspecting goes a long way when attempting to pinpoint fraudulent information.
Look At The Profile Picture
If you’re struggling with determining whether an account is credible or not, check out their profile picture.
By performing a reverse image search, you’ll discover if the photo is an original or was stolen from the web. More often than not, disreputable accounts use stock photos.
If your findings point to this, the account isn’t worth a follow.
Is Their Content Balanced?
If the account you’ve come across is home to a hodgepodge of incongruous information, they probably aren’t legitimate. Posts that are in keeping with one another demonstrate loyalty to a specific kind of content.
There’s no need to be incredibly diligent in your search. You’ll be able to tell rather quickly if the user is trolling or enlightening visitors.
Search For More Accounts By Them
The more accounts they have to their name, the more trust you can place in them. If you find more profiles, dig deeper into who they are.
Do they have any political affiliations? Are they campaigning for a candidate? These questions will help you identify their political leanings.
As a result, you can determine whether or not the information is biased or accurate.
