There can be too much news.
A funny thing for the editor of a small-ish town newspaper to say, I acknowledge. But it is true.
Some news is not credible.
There, I said it.
But how do we know when it is or isn’t credible?
It is sometimes really hard to know who or what to trust, especially on topics that are emotionally charged or impactful, such as climate change or the pandemic.
It is even harder when people we love and trust in other parts of our lives share things with conviction, or if what is being shared fits into our own biased worldview.
(For example, I would have a very hard time not believing a story that said scientists had discovered that M&Ms have many health-redeeming qualities. OF COURSE THEY DO!)
Even seasoned journalists on my social media news feed have shared questionable content that was later debunked.
While scrolling, I often have to stop and ask myself what is true and how do I know that for sure.
I have been taking a media training and fact-checking hub.
It highlights a handy checklist by investigative reporter , an independent, nonprofit media outlet that produces investigative journalism.
Allen suggests that whenever we see a story, post or documentary, we can ask ourselves these questions to see if the piece should be trusted:
•Is the presentation one-sided?
•Is there an independent pursuit of the truth?
•Is there careful adherence to the facts?
•Are those accused allowed to respond?
•Are all sources named and cited? If not, is the reason explained?
•Does the piece claim some secret knowledge?
The answers to these questions help me figure out what I should trust. I hope they help you, too.
