False information has posed a significant threat to evidence-based decision-making and science communication. The adoption of new and unprecedented digital communication tools, such as 'bots' and 'deep-fakes,' has exacerbated the situation. Even for the trained eye, distinguishing between what is true and what is false has become extremely difficult, especially when the misleading information is disguised in scientific jargon. When digital technologies are used to deceive and mislead, incorrect information may reach a large number of people quickly and with disastrous repercussions, especially when it comes to human health. As a result, the threats posed by incorrect information must be addressed immediately.
1. Read past the clickbait: Advertisers frequently use headlines to generate income. When you read the piece, you'll see that the headlines don't always give the complete picture.
2. Examine your own biases: Do you want something to be true because it confirms your existing beliefs or what you desire to happen? Do you want it to be untrue because it concerns someone or something you care about or for whom you voted?
3. Examine the information's source: Verify the accuracy of the facts in the article using fact-checking websites. Keep an eye out for bots and trolls (fake accounts created by an algorithm to propagate disinformation and persons whose goal is to stir rage) when using social media.
4. Read laterally: Is it being reported in other places? Is there a backstory to this story? Whose voices have still to be heard in the story?
5. Don't engage in misinformation: Any attention you give to a piece of content, even if it's only to announce that it's false, increases the likelihood that others will come across it. Every like, retweet, and remark is effectively a 'vote' for that material in algorithms, which may magnify it.
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