On Can I Be Sure Info Is True, a number of measures are listed for verifying information. The following examples tailored to different sources can raise awareness of ways to verify information on platforms such as Google, Facebook, and Twitter.
Tips for verifying information found on Google
- Check the URL and domain name, including the end ".edu" ".com" ".gov" etc.
- Look for the "About" or "Contact" or similar information on the website
- Search widely and "laterally" (go to other websites) to check other viewpoints on the same topic.
Where does this source originate? Abbreviation at end of URL indicates the United Kingdom.
What else can we learn about this man's credentials? Highlight his name, right click, then select Search Google for ''John Coleman."
Where is the "About" page? No information on publisher.
'Global warming the greatest scam in history' claims founder of Weather Channel. https://www.express.co.uk > News > Clarifications and Corrections •
Headline language balanced or sensational? "Greatest scam in history" is emotionally charged.
THE debate about climate change is finished - because it has been categorically proved NOT to exist, one of the world's best known climate change sceptic has claimed.
By JASON TAYLOR
PUBLISHED: 04:35, Tue, Jun 9, 2015 | UPDATED: 12:27, Wed, Jun 10, 2015
Is writer a science expert? Search of his other articles shows he's a generalist.
Current? No.
. . . . .
How to get news on Facebook
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Under Trending, click on an article. Facebook will give you the source of the story.
- Hold your cursor over title to see other articles on the same topic below the one you chose.
- Read articles critically, using the Essential Questions to sift for truth.
How does Facebook determine what to list under Trending?
What's "Trending" is different for each of us. Select one of five icons for type of news: Top Trends, Politics, Science, Sports, and Entertainment. Entertainment. Based on your choice, information from your profile, and data from your online activity, Facebook selects content it thinks will interest you.
Why do you see certain ads on Facebook?
Facebook uses information about you to select the ads you see.
To manage the ads:
- Click the X or down arrow in the upper right corner of ad.
- Select "Why am I seeing this?" for explanation.
- Add or remove yourself from the ad audience.
. . . . .
Some ways to question the accuracy of Tweets
Anyone with a Twitter account can post just about anything, and only "people of public interest" can at present be authenticated with a blue check next to their name.
A recent MIT study reports that false information spreads six times faster on Twitter than what's true. Sensational headlines are click bait–they grab our attention. Even though a tweet cites a source for its information, it may misstate or twist what the source says or what photos actually represent.
Who is the author? Right click and "search Google for @erictucker'' shows NY Times article (11/20/16) report that this is fake. His Twitter account claims he is "Accusedly libertarian.
What do other sources say? Do a quick Google search to check whether these claims have been fact checked or whether there is any additional information about protests in Austin after the election.
What is the evidence? Think about the pictures. Do we know where they were taken? Is there any proof that they represent what Tucker claims?
"How Fake News Goes Viral: A Case Study." It states that this Tweet was shared at least 16,000 times on Twitter and 350,000 times on Facebook.