Fact-checking information on a regular basis has become a necessity. With so many information sources – social media, print media, online media, a plethora of television media and more – flooding us with ‘news’ every day, the possibility of being misled is more present than ever. 

It’s up to the individual at this point to ensure that they are not being misled and going on to parrot misinformation or disinformation. Afterall, the ideal that this entire country professes to be based on, democracy, requires an informed populace. 

Here’s how to fact-check: 

1. Examine the source

With so many sources of information available today, that has to be the starting point of fact-checking. Any reputable information (whether it be news articles, blog posts, social media posts, media releases from various organizations, etc.) will reference reputable sources. 

Reputable sources are sources that have a proven track record in their respective areas. Often, the reputable source will be corroborated (or agreed with) by other reputable sources on the topic. Additionally, a person’s own critical thinking (looking at the information being presented and thinking about whether it actually makes sense and is reasonable) should always be taken into account. 

Data driven information is something to look to in times of doubt. What notion do the numbers in a given situation seem to align with? Is this a reasonable argument based on the known facts of a situation? These are questions people need to ask themselves when assessing the quality of information. 

Always follow the reputable data.

2. Consider the context 

It’s important to think about why information is being presented – is it coming from a politician and discussing a highly divisive topic? If so, it’s probably skewed information that is being presented with incomplete context. 

However, if someone seeks out and researches various studies and statistics regarding a topic and then reads other people’s interpretations of that information and forms their own opinion, they are likely at least well-informed. It is critical in this situation, though, to ensure the quality of the data being considered. Scientific studies and objectively worded conclusions are typically good places to start when trying to learn about any given situation. 

Additionally, it is crucial to be open to new information while assessing the reliability of that information. If someone continues believing something even after seeing credible evidence that disproves their notion, that person is doing a disservice to themself and society. 

3. Accept that you truly know very little

I’ll be the first to admit I’m a single person in an entire world of people. I am insignificant, and therefore, I know that to blindly trust myself and my inclinations without considering whether I’m acting reasonably based on the information I have would be irresponsible and could lead me astray. 

Absolutism is something to be wary of as well. Topics and ideas in this world exist on a spectrum of possibility and perceived truth. It is impossible to know the truth without a doubt in the vast majority of situations. All people can do is their best. People can study a topic and try to be responsible about the information they ingest, then they can consider the information they read and try to form reasonable conclusions. 

Obviously, two plus two equals four. The equation has a measurable result that can be verified in multiple ways. Many political notions are not so measurable, and they are not so easy to verify. Misinformation is prominent these days, and it’s important to look out for misleading notions that are meant to garner support for a cause. If something appeals to emotion instead of science, that’s typically a good indication that the information needs scrutiny.