Nowadays, the news is presented in such a tricky and tempting way that it is becoming difficult for a huge segment of the population to differentiate between fake and real news. Organizations or individuals serving fake news to people aims to promote a particular political philosophy or opinion.
The articles published on their platform can sometimes include false info in an attempt to promote their personal views or attack opponents in the guise of reporting news. Fake news creators can also foment divisiveness and unrest among people with malicious intentions. You can click here for more information on how to find reliable news sources.
How to identify reliable news sources?
Here are some tips for identifying fake news and finding genuine news sources.
1. Check the news published in multiple media outlets
Every major media organization covers significant news events. However, their ways of presenting a story could be different. Hence, it’s best to check the story about a topic or an event published by other publications. Check the facts they have covered in their news video or article. And if no other media outlet has reported a story about that event, then consider it an alarming sign of the article’s accuracy. Also, check the news sources to get an in-depth insight into the related facts.
2. Confirm the reputation and check the history of the publication and author
If a news article is shared on various social media platforms such as Twitter or Facebook, you can easily find the source of such publications. Check the publication’s website and review past articles on similar or related topics. Consider it a red flag if a particular viewpoint is predominant in their articles.
Also, most fake news websites fly-operate for a short period, for a few months or weeks. Find out about the registration date of their domain; it’s possible you’re dealing with an unreliable news site if the content is controversial and the domain name is very newly registered.
If the site is sharing or posting on particular viral articles, then there are high chances that its attempts are driven towards disgracing a set of people, a person, or a situation. Their articles and news posts are also likely to be untrustworthy.
3. Scrutinize the videos and photos of the story published by the media company
This is one of the best techniques for determining reliable sources. Generally, media outlets that aren’t committed to accuracy and integrity might use eye-catching videos or images to entice a large number of viewers, and a picture can be both constructive and damaging for the audience. Hence, fake news purveyors use images to mislead the viewers instead of informing them.
Don’t rely on every engaging image that you come across – instead, determine whether the news site intends to trigger the readers’ emotions or aims at informing its readers. Search the image on the web to find out other sources where the image has been used.
The video clips that go viral may not show you the genuine side of the story or may portray a misleading story. Photos supporting a specific viewpoint or stance are sometimes digitally edited or staged to mislead people and hide the truth from the content.
Evaluate the reliability and credibility of the image’s immediate source and the individual or news outlet who originally shared the videos or photos. The little time you’ll invest in researching will save you from getting into the trap of a hidden agenda. The photo could be shared or captured to spread false propaganda intentionally.
4. Beware of sensational news headlines
The “alarming” headlines of fake news are created to strike the audiences’ emotions. Generally, people read only the headline of a story without going through the entire article. Therefore, if the headline is misleading, attacks a public figure, or intends to defame a movement or event, it wouldn’t have any hint of truth.
Explore the internet and find other reliable news sources confirming the story’s accuracy. Different media outlets use different words and headlines for a story. Be open-minded to determine their intentions effectively.
5. Be careful when reading humorous or satirical news content
Generally, the news sites intend to create humour pillory celebrities and politicians to attract some followers or readers on their platform. However, not many people know that the articles may fail to show the actual facts. Their articles are more focused on creating satire or humour. Reliable news sources will stick to formal, unbiased dialogue and won’t rely too heavily on humour or satire to get their point across.
Hence, before sharing such a news article, do a background check of the facts mentioned to cross-check double suspicious or questionable facts added to the content.
6. Evaluate the mindset of the person/organization sharing certain news at that specific time
Leverage the digital age to your advantage. From connecting with like-minded people to learning about the values and ideals of a certain set of people across countries, communities, and the world, you can use digital technology for various purposes. You can even receive information and news from multiple work sources, reinforcing their beliefs on society and its people.
If you come across news, find out about the political leanings and viewpoints of the publisher or media house on various topics. It will give you a better idea of whether or not they are spreading misinformation.
7. Raise awareness and speak up against fake news
Every individual has some roles and responsibilities toward society. Hence, you should work towards raising awareness among your friends, family, colleagues, and digital circle about fake news and its dangers accompanied with it.
Don’t hesitate to speak up if you notice a platform or news source sharing or spreading fake news. Alert the people around you and reach as many people like you. Use digital media platforms to combat misinformation. Inform them about the resources and tips so they can learn about the potential ways of identifying unreliable new sources.
Endnote
All readers need to look for diverse perspectives and opinions of people and media outlets on current events. It’s the best way to learn about the different viewpoints on a particular issue. Though meeting people in person is one of the most effective ways to share facts, political perspectives, opinions, and new ideas, finding reliable new sources online is important to making sure you’re aware of the facts.
Ultimately what matters the most is identifying the differences between reliable and unreliable news sources, and stopping the spread of misinformation, regardless of how you come across that information.
