We are in a society of information overload! What information is true? What information is accurate and dependable? It is really hard to decided, especially with so much information being disseminated through social media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
So, how do you know if what you are reading is true or accurate? You, the reader, has to make the decision to do some investigating to check out the facts. Below are some ways to check:
1. Check About and About me pages
2. Interrogate urls and look at the webaddress
3. Suspect the sensational
4. Go back to the source of the information listed
5. Go back to the story again (and again) for any updates
6. Triangulate by finding the same information from multiple sources
7. What exactly are you reading: a news story, feature article, editorial, etc?
8. Use a little energy, don't just be satisfied with one source
9. Stop before you forward (or use) and ask yourself - is this fake, a hoax, biased
10. Be suspicious of pictures! They can easily be edited
Want to look at some great 'hoax' websites? Here are just a few:
Constant Kitten
Google Nest
Quantified Toilets
eMeringue
Tree Octopus
Remember, it is important to check your information for accuracy. If you need help, that is what Mrs. Nix and I are here to do! Please come see us, email or call us if we can assist you!
If you want to read more about news and social media or how to check your information, visit these links:
Truth, Truthiness, Triangulation and the Librarian Way by Joyce Valenza
Facebook's Problem is More Complicated than Fake News by R. Kelly Garrett
Research and an Infographic About Research by Joyce Valenza
A List of "Fake News" Sites by Steve MacDonald
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