Fact-checking is a vital skill for journalists, especially in the digital age, where misinformation and disinformation can spread quickly and widely. But how can you verify the accuracy and reliability of the sources, data, and claims that you encounter online? Here are some essential skills for fact-checking in the digital age.
The first skill you need is critical thinking, which means being able to question, analyze, and evaluate the information you find. You should not accept anything at face value, but instead look for evidence, logic, and context. You should also be aware of your own biases and assumptions, and avoid jumping to conclusions or confirmation bias. Critical thinking helps you identify potential errors, inconsistencies, or gaps in the information you are checking.
I have had to learn to read books by authors on all sides of issues. Through that reading I have come to understand that many ideas we consider controversial may be logical conclusions from a different--sometimes better, sometimes worse--understanding of a topic or issue. Instead of treating a person you disagree with as an enemy, approach them as a fellow human being seeking to come to a mutual understanding of the truth. Consider critical opinions as opportunities to grow. We can all help each other become better critical thinkers.
The second skill you need is research skills, which means being able to find, access, and use credible sources of information. You should know how to use search engines, databases, archives, and other tools to locate relevant and trustworthy sources. You should also know how to check the source's authority, reputation, and transparency, and how to cross-check the information with other sources. Research skills help you gather and compare the information you need to verify or refute a claim.
A fundamental element of good research and fact checking is to go back to original sources. It seems that many who get the facts wrong--including professional newspaper and television news sites--go no further than a cursory web search. For this reason, even news sites may inadvertently provide incorrect data. For example, over the years I have learned to read Supreme Court Decisions for myself rather than allow friends and other sources to tell me what I should think was important about any Supreme Court decision.
The third skill you need is digital literacy, which means being able to understand, interpret, and create digital content. You should know how to use different formats, platforms, and media to communicate and consume information. You should also know how to spot and avoid fake news, clickbait, propaganda, and other forms of manipulation. Digital literacy helps you recognize and analyze the features, functions, and purposes of the digital content you are checking.
Some of the things I have found helpful for fact checking include Taking time to understand the various digital content formats, such as text, images, audio, and video. In particular learn how information is presented across the various formats. Some of the common characteristics in sensational headlines, fake websites and anonymous sources Finally recognise sensational articles or clickbait headlines that often lack substantial content.
The fourth skill you need is data literacy, which means being able to understand, interpret, and use data. You should know how to read and analyze charts, graphs, tables, and other visualizations of data. You should also know how to check the source, methodology, and quality of the data, and how to use data tools and software to create your own visualizations. Data literacy helps you make sense of the numbers, trends, and patterns in the data you are checking.
The fifth skill you need is ethical standards, which means being able to adhere to the principles and values of journalism. You should know how to respect the rights, privacy, and dignity of the sources, subjects, and audiences of the information you are checking. You should also know how to acknowledge and correct your own mistakes, and how to report the results of your fact-checking in a fair, accurate, and transparent way. Ethical standards help you maintain your credibility, integrity, and accountability as a journalist.
The sixth skill you need is collaboration skills, which means being able to work with others to achieve a common goal. You should know how to communicate, cooperate, and coordinate with your colleagues, editors, and other fact-checkers. You should also know how to use online platforms, tools, and networks to share and exchange information, feedback, and resources. Collaboration skills help you improve your efficiency, quality, and impact of your fact-checking.