The path to becoming a fact checker: A step-by-step guide for the critical handling of information

False news and disinformation have been omnipresent for many years. As an internet user, it is important to be vigilant and develop the ability to identify and combat fake news. In this article, we present 20 tips to help you become an online fact checker and protect yourself from online manipulation.


TIP 1: Understand the importance of fact checking


  • Fact checking is a process in which information is checked for accuracy and reliability. It helps combat misinformation and hoaxes that are widespread online.
  • As a fact checker, you should learn to critically question and verify information to ensure it is based on solid sources and evidence.
  • Learn the basics of fact checking and learn about different techniques and methods used by professional fact checkers.

TIP 2: Develop critical thinking


  • Critical thinking is an important skill for fact checkers. It helps to objectively analyze information and identify possible errors or distortions.
  • Practice critical thinking by questioning information, considering alternative perspectives, and drawing logical conclusions.
  • Develop a healthy skepticism about information you find online and be open to the possibility that this information may be false or misleading.

TIP 3: Check the sources


  • One of the basic tasks of a fact checker is to carefully examine the sources of information.
  • Make sure the source is credible and trustworthy. Research the source's reputation and make sure it is not biased or distorted.
  • Check whether the information can be confirmed by other, trustworthy sources. Be careful when information only comes from a single source.

TIP 4: Pay attention to the date


  • Check the date of the information to ensure it is current and relevant.
  • Older information may no longer be accurate or may be outdated by newer findings.
  • Consider the context of the information and see if it still applies to the current situation.

TIP 5: Check the author


  • Pay attention to who published the information and whether the author is considered an expert or a credible source.
  • Research the author's background and make sure they have the required expertise and experience.
  • Consider whether the author may have biases or conflicts of interest that could influence their information.

TIP 6: Be careful with emotionally charged content


  • Emotional and provocative content can make people less critical of information and more inclined to share it, even if it isn't true.
  • Pay attention to whether information is intended to evoke strong emotions such as fear, anger, or indignation.
  • Evaluate emotional content carefully and do not let your emotions guide you when assessing the accuracy of the information.

TIP 7: Check the facts in the story


  • Pay attention to the facts in the story and check them independently to make sure they are accurate.
  • Research the facts and look for trustworthy sources that can confirm or refute those facts.
  • Be particularly careful with information based on inaccurate or distorted facts, as they can easily be misleading.

TIP 8: Use fact-checking websites


  • Use fact-checking websites such as ours or those of the DPA , Fact Finder , Correctiv . AFP , Factfuchs , Deutsche Welle , Volksverpetzer , APA , Faktiv or BAIT to check information for accuracy.
  • These websites specialize in identifying and refuting hoaxes and misleading information.
  • Compare results from multiple fact-checking websites to get a more comprehensive picture of the accuracy of a piece of information.

TIP 9: Watch out for satire and parody


  • Be aware that some content may be satirical or parodic and is not intended as genuine information.
  • Check the source of the information to see if it is known as a satire or parody website.
  • If you are unsure whether a piece of content is serious or not, do further research before classifying it as fact or fiction.

TIP 10: Be careful with images and videos


  • Images and videos may be manipulated or taken out of context to promote a particular message or narrative.
  • Verify the authenticity of images and videos using video verification tools such as Google Reverse Image Search or InVID.
  • Pay attention to whether images or videos may have been manipulated to distort the perception of reality.

TIP 11: Identify logical fallacies


  • Logical fallacies are errors in reasoning that can cause people to draw incorrect conclusions or evaluate information inappropriately.
  • Familiarize yourself with common logical fallacies and learn to recognize them in information and arguments.
  • Review the reasoning in the information you are reviewing and make sure it is based on solid logical foundations.

TIP 12: Examine the context


  • Context is crucial to correctly understanding and evaluating information.
  • Consider whether information is presented in its original context or whether it may have been taken out of context to promote a particular message or narrative.
  • Consider the cultural, historical, and political context in which the information is presented and whether it still applies in that context.

TIP 13: Learn to recognize disinformation


  • Disinformation is the intentional spread of false information to deceive or mislead people.
  • Familiarize yourself with the different techniques and strategies used to spread disinformation, such as: E.g. fake news, propaganda or manipulated images and videos.
  • Develop the ability to identify and debunk disinformation in the information you review.

TIP 14: Share your results


  • Once you've successfully verified information and separated fact from fiction, share your findings with others to raise awareness of misinformation and disinformation.
  • Be transparent about your methods and sources to increase your credibility as a fact-checker.
  • Engage in discussions and debates to encourage and support other people's critical thinking and fact-checking skills.

TIP 15: Stay current and improve your skills


  • Fact checking is an ongoing process and it is important to constantly stay informed and develop your skills and knowledge.
  • Follow news and trends to gain a better understanding of current issues and fact-checking challenges.
  • Use resources such as books, online courses, and webinars to improve your fact-checking skills and stay up to date on new methods and techniques.

TIP 16: Network with other users who also check facts


  • Interact with other fact-checkers to learn from each other and improve your skills.
  • Use online forums, social media and networking events to connect with like-minded people and benefit from their experiences and best practices.
  • Collaboration and mutual support can help you combat misinformation and disinformation more effectively.

TIP 17: Develop an ethical attitude


  • As a fact checker, it is important to have an ethical stance to ensure your work is transparent, objective and impartial.
  • Be sure to keep your own biases and beliefs in check in order to evaluate the accuracy of the information unbiasedly.
  • Be honest and transparent in your fact-checking process and respect the privacy and rights of others.

TIP 18: Do some self-reflection


  • Regular self-reflection will help you improve your fact-checking skills and thought processes.
  • Analyze your strengths and weaknesses to find out in which areas you can develop further.
  • Be open to criticism and feedback from others to continually improve your fact-checking practices.

TIP 19: Use technology to support your work


  • There are many technologies and tools that can help you review information more effectively and efficiently such as:
  • Google Reverse Image Search: https://www.google.com/imghp Google Reverse Image Search allows you to search for similar images or the image source to verify the authenticity of an image and find out if it has been manipulated or taken out of context .
  • TinEye: https://tineye.com/ TinEye is another reverse image search tool that helps you uncover image origins and possible manipulation.
  • InVID Verification Plugin: https://www.invid-project.eu/tools-and-services/invid-verification-plugin/ The InVID Verification Plugin is a browser addon specifically designed to check videos for authenticity. It offers various features such as frame-by-frame analysis, reverse video search, and metadata checking.
  • Explore different technology platforms and tools such as: B. artificial intelligence, machine learning and automated fact-checking systems to support your work.
  • However, be careful when using technology and make sure you understand the limitations and potential biases of these tools.

TIP 20: Be patient and persistent


  • Fact checking can be time-consuming and challenging, especially when you encounter complex or controversial topics.
  • Practice patience and persistence to ensure you review the information thoroughly and accurately.
  • Accept that you won't always be able to answer all questions conclusively, but try to move on and do your best to find out the truth.

Related to the topic: When facts no longer matter


If you enjoyed this post and value the importance of well-founded information, become part of the exclusive Mimikama Club! Support our work and help us promote awareness and combat misinformation. As a club member you receive:

📬 Special Weekly Newsletter: Get exclusive content straight to your inbox.
🎥 Exclusive video* “Fact Checker Basic Course”: Learn from Andre Wolf how to recognize and combat misinformation.
📅 Early access to in-depth articles and fact checks: always be one step ahead.
📄 Bonus articles, just for you: Discover content you won't find anywhere else.
📝 Participation in webinars and workshops : Join us live or watch the recordings.
✔️ Quality exchange: Discuss safely in our comment function without trolls and bots.

Join us and become part of a community that stands for truth and clarity. Together we can make the world a little better!

* In this special course, Andre Wolf will teach you how to recognize and effectively combat misinformation. After completing the video, you have the opportunity to join our research team and actively participate in the education - an opportunity that is exclusively reserved for our club members!


Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )