What is Fact-Checking and Why Does It Matter?

Fact-checking is the process of verifying whether information is accurate, inaccurate, or misleading. It involves examining claims, sources, and evidence to determine their reliability. Imagine yourself as an online detective: you search for evidence to confirm if something is genuine or fabricated.

This skill is essential because the internet contains a vast amount of false information, which can deceive individuals, propagate rumours, or even lead to harmful consequences. For instance, a fabricated news article might lead you to form incorrect beliefs about a historical event or a public figure. Inaccurate information can influence opinions, decisions, and actions in everyday life.

By developing fact-checking abilities, you will be equipped to make informed choices and refrain from disseminating unreliable content. In this lesson, you will explore key tools and techniques, including lateral reading, reverse image search, and reputable fact-checking websites such as Snopes, Full Fact, and Reuters Fact Check. These methods will enable you to identify false, misleading, or exaggerated statements encountered online.

A fundamental aspect of fact-checking is critical thinking. Always pose questions to yourself, such as: Is this information accurate? What evidence supports it? Who is the source, and do they have a bias?

Why Fact-Checking is Important

• It helps you distinguish truth from fiction in a digital world filled with misinformation.
• It promotes responsible sharing of information on social media and other platforms.
• It protects you from scams, hoaxes, and manipulative content.
• It encourages a habit of evidence-based thinking, which is valuable in school, work, and personal life.

What is Lateral Reading?

Lateral reading is a systematic approach to verifying information by consulting multiple external sources, rather than relying solely on the content of a single webpage. This method involves opening additional browser tabs to explore what reputable sources report on the same topic, thereby enabling you to assess the accuracy and credibility of the original claim.

Why is Lateral Reading Important?

In an era where misinformation can spread rapidly online, lateral reading empowers you to evaluate claims critically. By cross-referencing information, you can identify biases, inconsistencies, or falsehoods that might not be apparent from one source alone. This technique fosters a deeper understanding and helps prevent the acceptance of unverified facts.

How to Practise Lateral Reading

1. Identify the key claim or piece of information on the original page.
2. Open a new tab and use a search engine to look up the claim, the author, or the website's reputation.
3. Examine reports from trusted sources, such as established news outlets or academic websites, to compare perspectives.
4. Evaluate the evidence: Does it support, contradict, or provide context to the original claim?

For instance, if you encounter a statement asserting that 'eating chocolate enhances intelligence,' resist accepting it at face value. Instead, search for this claim on reliable platforms to determine its validity based on scientific studies or expert opinions.

How to Perform a Reverse Image Search

A reverse image search is a valuable technique that allows you to upload or input an image to discover its original source, similar images, or whether it has been altered. This method is particularly useful for identifying manipulated or fake photographs that circulate online, helping you to verify the authenticity of visual content.

Why is Reverse Image Search Important?

In the digital age, images can be easily edited or taken out of context to support misleading claims. By conducting a reverse image search, you can uncover the true origins of a photo, detect alterations, and assess its credibility. This skill complements other fact-checking strategies and empowers you to make informed judgements about the information you encounter.

Step-by-Step Guide to Reverse Image Search

1. Navigate to a search engine that supports reverse image searches, such as Google Images.
2. Locate and click on the camera icon in the search bar, which represents the reverse image search function.
3. Choose to either upload an image from your device or paste the URL of an image found online.
4. Review the search results, which may include the original source, similar images, or related webpages.
5. Analyse the findings to determine if the image is genuine, edited, or used in a misleading way.

For example, if you come across a social media post featuring an image of a gigantic cat roaming a city street, perform a reverse image search. The results might reveal that the photo has been digitally manipulated or originates from a film special effects demonstration.

Exploring Fact-Checking Websites

Fact-checking websites are dedicated platforms that systematically verify the accuracy of claims, statements, and information circulating online or in the media. These resources employ rigorous methods to investigate whether information is true, false, or misleading, drawing on evidence from credible sources.

Recommended Fact-Checking Websites

Here are some reliable websites you can use to check facts. We have included options with a focus on global, UK, and Irish contexts to make them relevant to you:

• Snopes: Specialises in debunking urban legends, myths, and viral rumours from around the world.
• Full Fact: An independent charity that fact-checks claims in UK news, politics, and public discourse.
• Reuters Fact Check: Provides verification of global news stories and viral claims, backed by a respected international news agency.
• The Journal FactCheck: An Irish-based service that examines claims related to Irish news, politics, and society, helping you verify information relevant to Ireland.

How to Use These Websites

1. Visit the website using the link provided.
2. Use the search bar to enter a specific claim or keyword.
3. Read the analysis, which will include evidence, sources, and a conclusion on the claim's accuracy.
4. Cross-reference with other sites if needed for a fuller picture.

For example, if you encounter a claim such as 'Leprechauns are real and guard pots of gold in Ireland,' search for it on Snopes or The Journal FactCheck to discover it is a myth rooted in folklore, with no factual basis.

Identifying False or Exaggerated Claims

Misleading information often appears in the form of claims that are partially true but distorted, or entirely fabricated. Developing the ability to spot such information requires the application of critical thinking skills. This involves questioning the origin of the claim, the motivations behind it, and the supporting evidence provided.

Why Spotting Misleading Information is Important

In the digital world, misleading claims can influence opinions and decisions. By learning to identify them, you protect yourself from being deceived and contribute to a more informed online community. This skill helps you discern fact from fiction and prevents the spread of inaccurate information.

How to Spot Misleading Information

1. Examine the source: Determine who created the claim and whether they have a potential bias or agenda.
2. Assess the evidence: Look for verifiable facts, data, or references that support the claim. Absence of evidence is a red flag.
3. Check for exaggeration: Determine if the language is sensational or absolute, such as words like 'always' or 'never,' which may indicate overstatement.
4. Combine fact-checking strategies: Use lateral reading to consult multiple sources, perform reverse image searches for visual content, and refer to reputable fact-checking websites.

For example, consider a headline stating 'Video Games Make You Violent.' Investigate by searching for scientific studies on the topic. You may find that while some research suggests a correlation, the claim is often exaggerated, as no direct causation has been definitively proven.