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Its a new world for news - breaking news is no longer just a 10 PM television broadcast.
Anyone can contribute to the news cycle through social media.
The misinformation problem
Misinformation isnt just wrong information.
Its all about sincerity.
When someone shares information they believe is true but isnt, thats misinformation.
However, misinformation is everywhere in vast amounts.
Accessing trustworthy, accurate information online is a nightmare when you dont have the right sources.
Reutersresearch suggests attitudes are shifting away from receiving news directly from news platforms, with people preferring social media.
Despite this, social media still hasn’t gained the trust of the masses.
All thats necessary for someones post to be hot news is to be widely shared.
This could be anything from deliberately misleading recipes designed to cause harm, to nation-state interference.
However, this feedback loop works on us in a variety of ways.
The more likely a post is to generate negative reactions, the more likely it is to spread.
Benign misinformation tends not to travel very far because it doesnt create engagement.
Either way, everyone goes on with their day.
Social Media means everyone can be a journalist, but not everyone can be a good one.
This is a holistic approach.
You cant just look at the author and call it a day.
For news sites, heading straight to their About Us page gives you a great place to work from.
If its missing and you cant find any working contact details, youre probably dealing with a less-than-trustworthy website.
Maybe thats the point.
Social Media means everyone can be a journalist, but not everyone can be a good one.
Identify the agenda
The news isnt free.
For a start, theres how a story is told.
They might even specifically look for misinformation that infuriates that demographic because itll drive more clicks.
Social media isnt immune to this effect, either.
Wherever you get your news from, thinking about the economic angle usually helps clear up the motive.
Are other websites reporting on the story youve read?
If they arent, why not?
For the sites that are, go through the same process and come to your own conclusions.
