Image by Wikimedia Commons
One time or another, we all fall for fake news and fake information especially when the information touches our heart and mood. As a librarian, I am a firm believer of not posting information without double checking for facts but just the other day, someone forwarded a message on Whatsapp sincerely urging the readers to share the information and help young students receive a scholarship by a very multinational company, and the message also read that it was not a fake message, and to please pass it (and it sounded urgent). Being human and vulnerable, at this point, I highlighted the message and passed it on immediately, and thankfully, I had passed on this to my Library Group, who very ethically asked me to double check my information and reminded me that the message was a HOAX. Thankfully, this saved me the embarrassment in other groups.
As adults, we often succumb to social media pressure, what about our students? This incident, only reminded me how necessary it is for us to have constant reminders about the importance of constantly checking for the credibility of information, especially in this fast-paced world of news and information.
Here are some gentle reminders: How to identify Fake News on Whatsapp in Hindi (Video -3.44)
How to identify Fake News in India by Dhruv Rathee in Hindi (Video – 9:17)
How to spot Fake News in India by The Quint in English (Video – 3:22)
Besides using the strategies mentioned in the videos, we could also check out the alternative/fact-checking websites and some are:
- Altnews
- Boom
- Fact Checker (India)
- SMHoaxSlayer is a broad spectrum fact–checking website with verifying social media hoaxes and scams circulating in India.
- Fact.ly
Why should YOU care whether you get real or fake news? I think it is because:
- You deserve the truth
- Fake news destroys your credibility
- Fake news can hurt you, and a lot of other people
- Real news can benefit you
That’s why it is important for us to always double check our information and have the real information benefit our lives.
Very useful.