Cornell University Library’s guide to media literacy starts with a quote from the late U.S. Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan: “Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts.”
With election season in high gear, Cornellians tapped both the library’s online resources and the staffer who helps maintain them—reference librarian Michael Engle—to compile a primer on how to identify reliable sources of information, on social media and the Internet overall.
So as you peruse the news, make sure to …
Be wary of what you read (and post) on social
With little or no fact checking, misinformation (inaccurate info) and disinformation (falsehoods deliberately intended to deceive) can spread like wildfire on social media.
Platforms like Facebook and Instagram may be great for sharing pet photos and recipes—but they’re notoriously unreliable sources of quality news.
Double-check the URL
Some websites spread disinformation in a particularly sneaky way: by disguising themselves as reputable and familiar news sources.
For example, the New York Times’s actual URL is nytimes.com; a site trying to pass itself off as the Times might have a similar design, but its URL has a subtle variation in spelling or a different ending.
Beware of sloppy text
Articles from credible news sources go through a rigorous editing process. If the text is riddled with spelling and grammatical errors, it’s a telltale sign that the source may not be legitimate.
Pause before sharing
Before you forward an article or share it on social media, take a deep breath—especially if it got you fired up.
Since sparking an emotional reaction is a primary goal of purveyors of misinformation, such content merits extra scrutiny.
Stick to reputable sources
Once you’ve ascertained that a news source is legitimate, search within that site rather than googling the topic; that way, you don’t have to repeatedly check for credibility.
And as much as possible, avoid relying on social media for news—since their algorithms are designed to reinforce your views rather than provide a balanced perspective.
Use ‘lateral verification’
Cross-check information with multiple reputable sources. Getting info from a variety of sources can also provide a broader perspective on an issue, giving you a more complete understanding of the topic.
Spot the bad stats
To be an astute news consumer, you need to understand the proper use of data and statistics—and the ways in which they can be manipulated or misrepresented to support a particular view.
Among the resources the library recommends are the TED talk “3 Ways to Spot a Bad Statistic” and the article “Become Data Literate in 3 Simple Steps.”
Be skeptical of ‘fake news’
Contrary to the way the term has been misapplied in recent years, “fake news” is not a synonym for facts that some people prefer not to believe.
Its narrow meaning refers to fabricated information that mimics journalism, but was produced without the proper editorial standards and processes.
Learn the lingo
Credible news sites offer a variety of content; not every article is solely fact-based, though these should be clearly labeled.
For example, op-eds and reviews offer individual viewpoints, while analysis pieces provide context and background to help readers understand a topic.
Diversify news sources
Avoid relying solely on one type of media, such as TV, radio, podcasts, or print (whether on paper or online).
A variety of sources and formats offer a more comprehensive view.
When in doubt, check the facts
Fact-checking websites can help determine the validity of a claim.
Reputable ones include factcheck.org (run by the nonprofit Annenberg Public Policy Center); snopes.com, a member of the International Fact Checking Network; PolitiFact, run by the Poynter Institute, a global journalism nonprofit; and the Washington Post Fact Checker.
This story was republished from Cornellians. Illustrations by Caitlin Cook / Cornell University.
