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Fact-checking is a process of making sure that things like published articles and statements that public figures make are factually correct. Many organizations, such as news publications, fact check their articles before they are published, but fact checking can also happen after articles are published. Fact checking attempts to reduce possible misinformation that can happen when controversial topics are discussed in the media and on the internet including social media sites like Facebook.
Conversation Questions
- Should we just accept what anyone says as true? Why or why not?
- Why should we question information shared on the internet?
- What websites do you trust? Why?
- What would lead you to not trust something online?
Key Definitions
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Factual accuracy - if information is factually accurate, it can be proven to be true and correct.
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Biased information - information that is unfairly presented for or against someone or something.
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Credible source - a credible source is an expert or an organization that you can trust because they are unbiased and back up the information they give with evidence.
- Monitoring - the process of reviewing the quality of published information and other media. Fact checking organizations also regularly review what is said by people in elected positions, such as the president, as well as those running for those positions.
Research and Learn with Online Resources
Elon Musk is Spreading Election Misinformation, but X’s Fact Checkers are Long Gone
New York Times Digital
Other Resources
Articles
Fact Checking on Social Media
This article gives advice on when to fact check information on social media websites such as Facebook and gives many detailed examples. It also discusses how to fact check posts on social media.
Videos
Facts About Fact Checking
This video gives basic information about what fact checking is and who fact checkers are and what they do. It also talks about what makes a source trustworthy.