Have you heard about the monumental unicorn sighting in Scotland last month? The unicorn, characterized by its ivory color and famous spiraled horn, is said to be one of just under ten still existing in the wild. Since the sighting, the unicorn has been declared an official species and given a scientific name. Or was it? How do you know what you read in a newspaper is true?
Turns out that not everything you see in the media, both physical and online, is always accurate. There are copious amounts of partial truths and inaccurate facts. Freedom of speech, while having numerous benefits, also presents drawbacks.
According to an article by Iowa State University, freedom of speech is defined as the right to “articulate opinions and ideas without interference, retaliation or punishment from the government.” Therefore, through free speech rights, everyone is able to say as they wish and express their belief. However, the rise of social media has completely changed the game when it comes to free speech and misinformation.
“If people are able to say anything that they want to say, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the information they are saying is true,” Digital Media and English teacher Monica Kauffman said. “With the spread of fake news, many people believe what they hear without looking deeper into it. Social media has contributed to the spread of misinformation.”
According to Statistica, 67% of Americans have come across fake news on social media. Even worse, 10% of U.S. adults have knowingly shared fake news.
Social media’s accessibility ensures that anyone can voice their opinions or make false claims. Because there are so many perspectives on social media, people are often inclined to select sources that align with their values and believe that information as fact.
An article by King’s College London stated, “the spread of fake news via social media stems in part from the absence of fact-checking and proof-reading, which other media platforms, such as newspapers, often have to go through.”
Because of this new age of information, it is important to learn how to fact-check information to ensure that you are well-informed.
“It takes time to verify the accuracy of what is being said. One of the things I focus on is media awareness. I want students to be aware of what is out there and what is being said. I also want them to become critical thinkers and learn how to verify information,” Kauffman said.
In Kauffman’s Digital Media class, students analyze many different aspects of the media, such as sitcoms, documentaries, movies, and articles. The class covers topics like the history of media, news, social media, and the effects of media on men and women.
“I always tell students that they need to look at a story from multiple sources to see what they all have in common. The common aspects are usually what the story is,” Kauffman said. “I also have them look at the source and see what they can find out about the source. I typically tell them if they hear something, they need to look it up to find out what else is being said.”
An article by Stevenson University recommends three steps to verify credibility. First, check the author’s credentials and experience on the topic. Second, compare the information with other sources on the topic. Third, ensure your source is up to date and relevant. Even if you have historically found a source to be reliable, it is still important to recognize any bias your source may have.
“One of the tools I use with students is to look at the media bias chart. I have them choose three different news sources (one that leans left, one that leans right, and one that falls in the neutral category) and look at one topic that is discussed in each of the different media sources. Then, they analyze the similarities and differences from each source and draw conclusions,” Kauffman said.
As the media continues to involve and shape society, verifying information will become increasingly important. The next time you hear about unicorn sightings in Scotland, take a few minutes to consider the source before sharing.