Remember when Facebook was that place where your mom could share that ridiculous article she just read and you weren’t immediately suspicious that it was written by some hacker in Russia ? Ahh, simpler times.
In a time where everything that’s read and shared by everyone on Facebook is greeted with skepticism, it’s vital we as users of this powerful social site arm ourselves with the knowledge to decipher what’s real and what’s fake.
I might be oversimplifying here, but I believe the most useful way to stop the spread of false information is to use common sense and do your due diligence. Even that handy-dandy checklist Facebook integrated into their main feed seemed like 10 bullet points of common sense. Maybe I’ve been overly conditioned as a student to do my research, but it seems obvious to “investigate the sources” or “be skeptical of headlines.” It’s something I started doing as a student and continued in my personal life. But I’ll never blame those who aren’t as fortunate and want to do their part.
Review: One essential book for learning how to spot fake news and read anew in the digital era https://t.co/D6Cfesy3jL pic.twitter.com/RhPuDdaNPF
— Chicago Tribune (@chicagotribune) September 5, 2018
Books like this are vital in making sure everyone can do their part to prevent the spread of fake (and dangerous) news. The best part, the book is free.
A part of me feels it’s a bit unfair that we are left with the burden of deciphering what’s real vs. what’s not, but until Facebook solves this under-the-hood, it’s on us to be the watchdogs. Because as long as Facebook is allowing articles like #1 and #4 in the tweet below to be on the “Top Engaging” list, we need to step in.
good morning from facebook pic.twitter.com/zGYwJsehTZ
— John Herrman (@jwherrman) September 7, 2018
I’m a sneaker-head, but you shouldn’t have to be to know that Michael Jordan would never leave Nike.