In the ocean of viral headlines on social media, we find it challenging to identify the true news. We react, we comment, and we share, but how often do we try to verify the information found on social networking sites?
In today’s fast-paced world, information spreads faster than lightning speed. Have we ever bothered to know whether the news is fact or fake? Recently, news circulated on social media claimed that the UAE had banned visas for 9 countries, including Bangladesh. Within a few hours, that news was disseminated by repeated sharing and posting. And guess what? We eventually came to know that the news was inauthentic. In a whole, this is the horrible image of our social media culture.
Decoding Media Literacy
It is hard to keep pace with a world flooded with information, and even harder to sort true information from the rest. That’s why media literacy is one of the most in-demand skills in the 21st century. Media literacy encompasses a set of skills that involves the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, and create content from print to video to the internet. It empowers us to understand information sources, intentions, potential bias, threats, and apply critical thinking in their daily consumption of newspapers, social media, TV shows, podcasts, and other sources of content.
4 Ways to Verify Social Media Information
Confused about whether the information is fact or fake? As a smart social media user, we must be conscious before hitting the share option. Here are the 4 steps to differentiate between truth and myth.
Step 1: Check the Source
To begin with, check the URL carefully. Fake news often has spelling mistakes. Besides that, copy the web address, paste it in a new tab, and find out whether it looks the same or not. Last but not least, check the “About us” section of the particular website to know about its authenticity.
Step 2: Verify with the Reputable Outlets
Always cross-check the news in some other renowned news sources. If the news is lucrative enough and a matter of public concern, multiple news media will surely cover it. If not, chances are high that the news may be fabricated.
Step 3: Evaluate the Visuals
Many fake sources nowadays use AI-generated fake photos to manipulate the general public. Hence, it is mandatory to find out whether the photos are real or not. Another step could be uploading the photo in the search bar of any reverse image search tool like Google Image Search, and it will find relevant and original sources from the web.
Step 4: Identify Media Bias
If you ever see something concerning, always ask yourself who created the news, what the purpose was, who the intended audience is, how they are trying to get attention, and what is missing here. We often accept the news without questioning because it is in our favor. In this case, we need to be aware of these emotional triggers and involve critical thinking in our own beliefs.
By practising this 4-step verification, we not only safeguard ourselves but also create a protective shield for our surroundings from spreading misinformation. Media literacy is not about knowing everything, but about choosing wisely what to believe and what not. Most importantly, before sharing something on social media, verify with these 4 steps. Truth deserves that time.
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Writer
Samiha Fouzia
Intern, Content Writing Department
YSSE