In today’s digital world, information is at our fingertips 24/7. Social media platforms, news websites and instant messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram offer a constant stream of news updates, opinions and stories.
But our unprecedented access to information also comes with a significant challenge: the spread of disinformation and fake news, as we saw during the rioting in the UK last summer, and as we are seeing now in the US.
The Guardian recently reported a study which argues that far-right populists are significantly more likely to spread fake news on social media than politicians from mainstream or far-left parties, and that amplifying misinformation is now part and parcel of radical right strategy.
If we want to be sure we’re not just repeating gossip or spreading unfounded rumours, it’s crucial to be able to distinguish between real news and made-up stories.
Here are some practical steps on how to spot disinformation and fake news, to help you remain well-informed and make decisions based on accurate information.
Disinformation or misinformation?
These terms have clear definitions.
‘Misinformation’ is false information spread regardless of whether it is true or not.
‘Disinformation’ is false or misleading information spread deliberately to deceive people.
Disinformation, or ‘fake news’ is deliberately created with a clear purpose – whether to influence political decisions, create division or simply generate profit through clicks and shares.
It can take many forms, such as false reports, doctored or AI-created images or misleading headlines that don’t reflect the true content of an article. Understanding the nature of disinformation is the first step in identifying it.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, a story spread on social networks claiming that 5G towers were responsible for spreading the virus. This baseless conspiracy theory led to people vandalising telecommunications infrastructure in several countries, including the UK.
This story was not only false but dangerous, showing the real-world impact of disinformation.
But it’s not always easy to know whether a story is true or not. Often you trust the person who has shared it, or it’s a story you are ready to believe is true based on your personal beliefs and opinions.
How can you get better at spotting ‘fake news’?
Question the source
Before believing or sharing any news, it’s vital to consider where it’s coming from.
Reputable news sources – such as the BBC, ITV or press outlets like The Guardian or TheTimes have established editorial standards and fact-checking processes. They are also accountable in law for what they publish.
Websites or social media accounts with no clear credentials are more likely to spread fake news. Before sharing, ask yourself:
- Is the source reputable?
- Is the author credible?
- Is the URL suspicious?
Check the date and context
Make sure the story is current and relevant. Be cautious of old stories being reused or shared out of context in order to mislead. If a story seems sensational or too good (or bad) to be true, it might have been taken out of its original context.
Where’s the evidence?
If an article makes bold claims but offers no evidence, it’s a red flag. Look for verifiable evidence like direct quotes, data from studies or links to credible sources. Corroborate the story with other trusted sources.
Fake news often plays on our fears, biases, or desires to provoke a response rather than to inform.
Fact-checking websites
Cross-check stories with UK-based fact checkers, like fullfact.org, or international sites like www.factcheck.org, www.reuters.com/fact-check/ or www.snopes.com to confirm their accuracy.
Watch out for confirmation bias
Confirmation bias means believing information that aligns with things we already think and believe, and dismissing what contradicts them. Disinformation often exploits this by creating stories that affirm our worldview, making it more likely we will share without proper scrutiny.
Social media and your FYP (for you page)
Algorithms on platforms like TikTok, X, and Facebook prioritise content that gets a lot of shares and likes, and content you engage with, which includes sensational and misleading news.
If you want to see less disinformation in your feed, avoid clicking, liking or sharing stories because they’ve made you angry or upset; otherwise, you’re likely to see more of the same.
Tell your family and friends
Does your auntie keep WhatsApping the family group with stories and rumours you know are untrue? Even things that are actively harmful? It’s up to each of us to encourage friends and family to question the content they are sharing. Let them know you don’t appreciate it, or ask them where they got the information from and why they are sharing it.
Taking responsibility
By questioning sources, verifying facts, and being mindful of our biases, we can protect ourselves and our spaces from the damaging effects of fake news. By curating a kinder and more informative space for ourselves, we can also help to prevent the spread of disinformation to a wider audience.
Checklist
- Know what disinformation is
- Check the source
- Check the date and context
- Look for evidence
- Use fact-checking websites
- Watch for confirmation bias
- Verify before sharing
- Educate others – share these tips with friends and family.
‘Far-right populists much more likely than the left to spread fake news’