Investigate the SourceThe “S” in SIFT is for “Stop”. The “I” is for investigate the source. One way we investigate the source is to hover over profile information (or click it on mobile). If we don’t know the source, we can Just Add Wikipedia to find out more. Learn more at infodemic.blog: https://infodemic.blog/ Investigate the […]
That’s the end of the basic skills. There’s more advanced skills of course, but you will be best served at the moment making the basic skills habits. When working with students, we use the SIFT acronym to remind them what they need to do, and it is worth reviewing one more time: If a piece […]
Start by taking a screenshot of what you found when you hovered (or clicked through to the profile). We supplied an example below, but replace the first image with your own screenshot. You can use the other GIFs and text afterwards verbatim if you want, or modify them to make your point. In most cases […]
Start by taking a screenshot of what you found when you hovered (or clicked through to the profile). We supplied an example below, but replace the first image with your own screenshot. You can use the other GIFs and text afterwards verbatim if you want, or modify them to make your point. In most cases […]
Use the GIF and text below to show someone how to hover to check a source. If you see someone with influence not performing these checks before sharing, reply to them with the GIFs and the text (we’ve even put it in Twitter length chunks!) Start by taking a screenshot of what you found when […]
Next: Check the date
Summary One of the most common and damaging disinformation techniques is false framing — linking a real article but summarizing it in a way that is deceptive The solution? Click through to the article and do a quick web page search for relevant terms. If you find the relevant terms, and the surrounding text supports […]
Summary Even when a source looks good, you have to click through and see the full context. Part of that context is the date published. Old articles might have outdated information, or might give a false impression if read as breaking news. Ideally, unless it was shared with you by someone who is known to […]
Summary If you can’t trust the source supplying the news to you, the best strategy is usually to do a quick news search, and see who else is reporting it. Sometimes (lots of times!) you’ll find that there is better coverage of the claim out there than the story that reached you. Share that instead. […]
Summary Most major English-language publications have Wikipedia page. If you don’t recognize a source, search the url + ” wikipedia” to find the relevant Wikipedia page. Scan the page asking: Is this source what I thought it was? Is there anything that might disqualify this as a source? Does this source have the expertise and/or […]
Sifting Through the Pandemic 