Media literacy
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Fact-check information before sharing it with others.
Fact checking helps gain people’s trust and stops you from feeling and looking stupid.
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Read the entire article instead of just the headline.
Headlines are chosen by editors and may contradict details buried in the text, or shill a product.
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Admit when you lack enough information to judge and remain open to change.
Science changes frequently and is influenced by politics, yet people often treat it as absolute truth.
one person who lived it
Maintain skepticism toward most claims because there is always unknown information.
We do not know what we do not know.
one person who lived it
Avoid reading raw scientific studies yourself if you are not an expert in that field.
Laypeople are likely to misunderstand the context and results.
one person who lived it
Be skeptical of posts claiming 'a new study has shown' something definitive.
These claims are frequently misleading half-truths or misinterpretations.
one person who lived it
Do not mistake eloquence or confidence for correctness; verify claims independently.
Eloquent words aren't always true, and most people care more about defending their position than finding the truth.
one person who lived it
Interpret 'reportedly' in news as unverified but likely true information, rather than assuming it is false.
It indicates the reporter has not fully verified the information, but does not mean it is very likely false.
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Focus on comments that include external sources or citations.
The presence of sourcing often distinguishes reliable information from unreliable opinions.
- Sourcing does not guarantee reliability; always do your own research.
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Do not use upvote counts as a primary indicator of truth or reliability.
Upvotes often reflect confirmation bias rather than factual accuracy.
one person who lived it
Include sources in your posts when sharing information you believe strongly about.
It shifts arguments from baseless claims to questioning sources and helps others verify the information.
one person who lived it
If a news item makes you feel hopeful, consider its opposite; if it makes you cynical, consider its opposite.
To counteract emotional bias.
one person who lived it
Verify the attribution of quotes before posting them online.
Many quotes are falsely attributed.
- Clarify whether quotes from fictional characters refer to the actor, character, or writer.
one person who lived it
Perform a quick search to verify the authenticity of quotes or images before sharing them.
To avoid spreading misinformation.
one person who lived it
Seek diverse perspectives and advisors to counter confirmation bias.
Humans subconsciously focus on information that reinforces existing notions.
one person who lived it
Counter misinformation by spreading factual information, while remaining aware of the Streisand effect.
Attempting to convince those who spread misinformation can trigger the Streisand effect.
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Test and verify your beliefs actively, and never tie your personal identity to them so you remain open to being wrong.
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Expect that some people will completely shut down rather than engage when asked for proof of their theories.
one person who lived it
Focus on loyalty to truth over tribal affiliation when evaluating information.
one person who lived it
Check the validity and credibility of the source before sharing or quoting online articles.
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