2020 Election Resources

Tips and Tools

Here are some additional tips and tools to help you be equipped while navigating media resources.

Lateral reading is searching for information about a source while you are reading it. This helps you to:

  • Examine what other sources say about the original source.

  • Use a variety of sources to get your information, not just trusting the first one you see.

  • Note how your source compares with other sources during your research process.

  • Ensure the information provided on one source is reflected on others.

 

Does the headline cause you to feel strong emotions? This is one way misinformation is used to grab reader attention. Below are some quick checks before further exploring the source:

  • Check for spelling, grammar, or typographical errors.

  • If there are advertisements on the source, try to determine how they might connect to the intent of the source.

  • If it’s online: What is the domain? Are the links functional?

  • Does the article provide any references for their information?

It’s easy to find believable articles that include inaccurate information. Luckily, there are many tools available for fact checking. Here are some tips that you can start with:

  • Check for the original source of the information provided.

  • Make sure that the information provided can be confirmed on other sources as well.

  • The information should be recent, relevant, and accurate.

  • Think about whether the information is balanced or biased

  • Use online tools such as Factchecker or Snopes for more insight.

Cognitive bias is our tendency to selectively interpret information that confirms our prior beliefs. Below are some tips to avoid this:

  • Don’t just focus on certain details while ignoring others. It’s important to pay attention to all details and perspectives.

  • We are inclined to read, hear, and see in a way that reinforces what we already believe. Instead, seek out new point of view, even if you don’t always agree.

  • Don’t rely on just one source for information.

  • Be sure to weigh all the information that you are reading.

Filter bubbles cause Internet users to see information and articles that reinforce their own beliefs. This is caused by algorithms that personalize an individual’s online experiences. Here are some tips:

  • Make sure you are diversifying your sources. For example, Google can pick up on your click-trends and show you articles that it thinks you will want to view first. Scroll through search results for additional sources to view.

  • Follow people and pages that have different viewpoints than you do to add variety to your feed.

  • You should also check out the comments section on news that comes up on your feed. Did anybody post disputing evidence? Is it reliable?

Click restraint asks you to refrain from clicking on the first thing that you see. Often times, filter bubbles cause the top items of your search or social media page to be biased toward what you show interest in. Instead:

  • Be sure to find multiple reliable sources instead of clicking on the first couple of search results.

  • Scroll through the entire first page of search results (or further) to find the most reliable resources.

  • Visit pages that have different viewpoints than you to to add variety to your results.

  • Use advanced search features to narrow down your search results to more relevant sources.