Article published in qustudio.com, written by Georgie Powell
The internet has changed the way we consume news. Gone are the days when we could read an interesting article and move on. Now, we can forward the story to hundreds of people on WhatsApp, make a YouTube comment about it, or even tweet our version of the story and our feelings.
But with this increased access to news comes massive waves of misinformation: fake news on a “tsunami” scale, often traveling faster and farther than the truth. Now, it’s gotten to the point where the ability to distinguish between truth and what’s fake online requires some real energy – so how do we help ourselves, and in turn, our children, spot fake news online?
What caused the rise of fake news?
The challenge of disinformation is not new, but it has been a growing cause for concern, exacerbated by the rise of technology.
While 68% of Americans say they get their news from websites or news apps, 53% claim they usually get it from social media – a source that is not typically subject to the same content rules as TV, radio, print and other traditional media.
On social media, news and information can often veer from fact to opinion, and the two are seen as one. And in a world where we are seeking to protect free speech, censoring unfounded opinions can be a challenge.
Why does fake news spread?
Fake news can be spread as a form of disinformation or misinformation (false information deliberately spread to make people believe something different). There are many reasons why an individual or company might want to spread fake news, including:
Getting more website traffic (by clicking on the article or their page).
Promoting propaganda that benefits their organization, their beliefs, or even their country and politics.
Attempting to influence voters or people's beliefs to change public opinion.
Trying to gain new voters or followers.
Wanting to spark debate, or even cause division among members of the public.
The rapid nature of news in the online world also means that journalists can publish inaccurate information without being able to verify or check as thoroughly as they normally would.
Fake news is not always created by journalists or organizations. As a way to cause conflict on social media, “Troll” online often “bait” users with fake news, hoping to ignite anger and outrage. Trolls enjoy causing tension and annoyance, which makes fake news a tempting tool for them to use.
So with all this to contend with, how do you separate fact from fiction?
How to spot fake news: Tips for parents
1. Make sure your child is aware that fake news exists.
It seems so basic, but many children may not realize that what they read may not be true. Children tend to be more trusting and naive than adults, so the first step is to let them know that there are people who lie online.
2. Teach your child to ask challenging questions.
Encourage your children not to accept content at face value. Teach them to understand why, how, and what is shared with them and to be critical observers of the content they consume. Encourage questions such as:
How did you find the content?
How did it come to you?
Do you trust who distributed it?
Who created or wrote the content?
Who can benefit or be harmed by it?
Why did they succeed?
Is anyone getting paid for this content?
What doesn't the news say?
Is part of the story being removed?
Do you believe what you are reading is true?
3. Find a way to check the source of the information.
If there is no reliable source, can it be trusted?
4. Search for the URL or name of the page.
Do you know the name of the site?
Is the content published on the site of high quality?
Are there any spelling or grammatical errors?
Is the language they use sensational?
Can you find the same story in other more reliable sources, like your national public news site?
Is the site overloaded with ads?
Does the page contain many clickable articles?
5. Block apps and websites that are generators of fake news.
Parental control tools like Qustodio can help you set blocks across devices.
6. Make sure your child checks multiple sources.
See what other news sources are saying about the same topic. Be sure to include news sources from other countries or political perspectives.
7. Help your child create the lifelong habit of “think before you share.”
We are not only consumers, but also contributors to the content environment. If you have any suspicion that content may be false, misleading, or harmful in any way, do not share it.
If you think your child is ready for social media and to start sharing content, make sure you set clear boundaries and expectations first. Encourage your friends and family to think critically about the content they share – and feel free to hold others accountable for sharing misleading content.
8. Trust your instincts.
If something feels "off", it probably is.
9. Learn more about fake news, together.
Watch documentaries such as Social DilemmaUse it as an opportunity to discuss as a family the impact of technology and the proliferation of content it has on our decision-making and society.
Explore the extensive sources for fake news from Common Sense Media and the BBC.
Consider using a news app like Ground News, which will highlight the biases in the content you are reading and present an alternative with a different perspective.