Fact or Fiction? How to Spot Fake News with the SACED CUE Method.

You hear devastating news.

A loved one’s been hurt.

Your mind races, heart pounds.

Panic sets in, and your thoughts spiral uncontrollably.

“What happened? Are they okay?”

Then... another message pops up.

"False alarm. It was a hoax."

Relief washes over you, but it’s mixed with anger and frustration.

How could someone play with your emotions like that?

This emotional rollercoaster is becoming all too familiar in today’s digital age.

Fake news, hoaxes, and misinformation spread faster than ever before.

How do we stop this from happening?

The Fake News Phenomenon:

According to a 2023 study, between 30% and 45% of surveyed consumers across selected countries reported witnessing false or misleading news, particularly related to major events like COVID-19 or geopolitical conflicts (Reuters Institute ) (TechJury ).

Fake news has become pervasive and harmful, especially on social media.

Here are some recent reports from reputable sources:

• Süddeutsche Zeitung, August 2024: During the Southport riots in the UK, right-wing extremists spread fabricated claims about minority groups inciting violence. Bots amplified the disinformation, escalating tensions and deepening community divides.
• The New York Times, November 2023: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has been bombarded with fake reports, including a fabricated conspiracy around athlete doping and event scheduling, causing public outrage.
• Der Spiegel, September 2024: A Russian propaganda group staged a fake car accident involving U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris to spark anti-American sentiment, exploiting political tensions on a global scale.

These examples underscore just how easily misinformation spreads—often faster than the truth.

"Fake news is cheap to produce. Genuine journalism is expensive." – Toomas Hendrik, former President of Estonia.

Is What You’re Reading Really True?

Misinformation is everywhere.

Social media platforms are major sources of misinformation.

As of 2023, Facebook remains the leading platform for encountering fake news (Redline Digital )(TechJury )(Reuters Institute ). Other platforms like Twitter (now X), Instagram, and TikTok also contribute to the spread of fake news.

Failing to filter this stream of information is one of the biggest risks we face as a digitally connected society. Without a framework, we become easy prey for fake news and distorted realities.

You can’t rely on headlines alone.

Let’s break down how you can get closer to the truth.

How to Spot Fake News using “SACED CUE”:

A helpful framework to spot fake news, developed by the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA), breaks the process down into eight easy-to-remember steps.

Here’s a mnemonic to make it easier: "SACED CUE":

• Source: Check the credibility of the website or news outlet.
• Author: Research the author to verify their expertise and reliability.
• Cross-check: Ensure the news is covered by multiple reputable sources.
• Examine bias: Consider whether the content is biased or designed to provoke a specific reaction.
• Date: Confirm the information is current, not old or repurposed.
• Content: Is it too sensational? Fake news often uses exaggerated language to grab attention.
• Understand humor: Ensure you’re not mistaking satire for real news.
• Experts: Consult fact-checkers like Snopes or FactCheck.org if unsure.

How Journalists in Quality Media Verify Information:

Journalists in quality media follow a disciplined approach to ensure accuracy and credibility in their reporting. Here’s a framework commonly used, based on established practices:

1. Source Verification: Journalists critically assess the credibility of their sources. This includes contacting sources directly to verify claims and checking the reliability of documents or data provided.
2. Cross-Checking Facts: Information is often cross-verified using multiple independent sources to ensure consistency and reliability.
3. Documentary Evidence: Public records, official reports, and other documentary evidence are analyzed for authenticity and relevance.
4. Image and Video Verification: Journalists increasingly rely on digital tools like reverse image searches and forensic analysis to confirm the authenticity of visual content, particularly in the age of deepfakes.
5. Editorial Oversight: In established newsrooms, editors play a key role in fact-checking by questioning assumptions and ensuring that all information aligns with ethical and factual standards before publication.

Some organizations, like the Global Investigative Journalism Network and the News Literacy Project, provide resources and guidelines to standardize these verification processes. Their frameworks stress the importance of transparency, thoroughness, and ethical practices in journalism.

"The quickest, most direct way to ruin a democracy is to poison the information."– Scott Pelley, veteran journalist.

Crisis Communication and Fact-Checking

Fact-checking isn’t just for journalists; it’s important in crisis communication too.

During emergencies, misinformation can worsen the situation. Governments and organizations that practice fact-checking can maintain public trust and control the narrative effectively.

Conclusion:

We’re drowning in information daily, and our ability to critically evaluate what we consume is more important than ever.

Slow down, think critically, and check the facts before believing or sharing anything.

It takes effort to stay informed, but it’s essential to be vigilant and seek quality media. Being careful with the information you trust will help you stay informed without falling for misinformation.

How do you evaluate the news you read?

Let’s keep the conversation going.

Share your strategies for separating fact from fiction below.