How to identify and avoid fake news or misinformation that could lead to security threats.
The term “fake news” has permeated our collective vocabulary and unfortunately, our digital lives as well. From minor social media posts to major political decisions, the influence of misleading information can’t be ignored, and worse, it can lead to significant security threats. The same way we have fire drills to stay prepared for emergencies, we should equip ourselves with the knowledge to recognize and avoid misinformation.
Firstly, it’s essential to understand the reasons behind the creation and spread of fake news. Misinformation can be weaponized for various reasons, such as political gain, social unrest, or simply to create confusion. For instance, in 2016, a U.S. presidential campaign was significantly impacted by the spread of misinformation (1).
So, how can you identify fake news? Here’s where your digital ‘Sherlock Holmes’ skills come into play.
Source Verification: The first step is to verify the source of the news. If it’s a known and reputable outlet, the news is more likely to be credible. Be wary of obscure websites or platforms. Many fake news sites mimic authentic ones, so pay close attention to the website’s URL.
Cross-checking Information: Don’t rely on a single piece of news. Cross-reference with other sources to confirm its validity. Websites like FactCheck.org and Snopes can be great resources for this.
Spotting Sensationalism: Fake news often employs sensationalism to draw in readers. If the headline seems outrageous or employs inflammatory language, take it with a pinch of salt and investigate further.
Check the Publishing Date and Modifications: An old news story can be misrepresented as a recent one. Check the publishing date. Also, lookout for any modifications to the story.
Biases and Fact-checking: Be aware of your biases as they can color your judgment. Make sure to fact-check even if the news aligns with your beliefs.
Identify Deepfakes: With AI, creating realistic-looking images or videos, known as deepfakes, has become easier. Look for inconsistencies in lighting, sound, or if the person in the video doesn’t blink as often as a normal person would (2).
While technology has made misinformation spread easier, it’s also working to combat it. AI is being trained to detect fake news, deepfakes, and other misinformation. However, until such tools become commonplace, the responsibility lies with us, the users.
Navigating the vast sea of digital information requires us to be vigilant lighthouse keepers. We must keep our shores safe from the storm of misinformation, protecting not only ourselves but also our fellow digital voyagers.
Sources:
- Allcott, H., & Gentzkow, M. (2017). Social media and fake news in the 2016 election. Journal of Economic Perspectives, 31(2), 211-36. https://www.aeaweb.org/articles?id=10.1257/jep.31.2.211
- Chesney, R., & Citron, D. (2018). Deep fakes: A looming challenge for privacy, democracy, and national security. California Law Review. https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3213954
