5 Ways To Guard Yourself Against FAKE NEWS

I want you to ask yourself: Is what I'm watching/reading "news" or someone else's interpretation of current events?

Right now, it’s crucial that you examine the places you turn to get informed.

With so many platforms, outlets and voices it's getting increasingly more difficult to decipher what’s fact-based news and what’s not. I have a Master's degree in Media Studies and some days it's a challenge for me to determine what's what.

Supercharged moments like these are when media literacy often goes out of the door.

The 24/7 news cycle paired with the viral nature of social media means that lies and misinformation spread far more quickly than ever before. And once a dominant narrative is entrenched in the public consciousness, it's incredibly hard to change - even when facts show up to question or dispute it.

What I need you to understand is if the story you're getting isn’t a complete, nuanced picture, or if that picture is warped, then you, my friend, haven’t been properly informed.

(Anyone remember that post-9/11 weapons of mass destruction narrative that was eventually disproven, but only after we lost thousands of lives at war and billions of dollars spent?).

Since we're connected, I didn't want you to get caught slipping. So here are 5 strategies to guard yourself against fake news.

Buckle up, class is in session…

#1: Fact check and consider the HISTORICAL context of the events you're seeing unfold.

News, first and foremost, is about the FACTS. It's not your favorite pundit's opinion. It's not your political hero's interpretation. It's not your favorite social media influencer's emotionally-charged thoughts.

I need you to know that the moment you start paying attention to something doesn't necessarily make it "news."

There's a saying in journalism: "If it bleeds, it leads," which suggests that media organizations often prioritize violent, visceral stories over substantive stories to maximize viewership and profit. It's driven by the belief that audiences are drawn to and captivated by grisly stories involving bloodshed, trauma, and chaos.

Decision-makers in media are banking on the fact that you're more likely to watch a journalist dodge bombs over an in-depth, investigative program that connects all the historical, political and economic dots for you.

They're also banking on the idea that you're going to watch the chaos unfold and feel something. Strong feelings.

Before you let what's on TV or social media dictate how you should feel about something, and before you take a stance, you should also consider historical context.

Understand and assume that there's ALWAYS history behind whatever event you're witnessing.

I hate to break it to you, but you can't necessarily rely on mainstream news to provide you with that context.

#2: Consider your sources and diversify where you get your news.

Evaluate the credibility of the news outlet or author. Are they reputable, biased, or pushing an agenda?

This may require you to do some digging or legwork because so many of our well-respected and longest-running news outlets in the US have been compromised.

That’s why it’s so important for you to diversify your news, too.

Yeah, I know you love the way your favorite talking head explains hot-button issues, but it’s not smart to rely on them to spoon-feed you all of your news.

Diversifying your sources helps you gather a variety of perspectives (even if they are disparate) to help you form more well-rounded and well-informed opinions and stances.

This is especially true when we're talking about complex geo-political issues.

#3: Pay attention to what's being emphasized and also what's being left out.

Observe what points are highlighted or repeated. A 24/7 news cycle is repetitive, which means that you're likely hearing some key words/phrases being used over and over.

Pay attention to this because these are the things mass media decision makers want you to remember (and regurgitate)...

...And there are also things they want you to either not know or forget.

News always involves PEOPLE, and mass media often labels them very strategically and curates coverage to paint a picture of groups that may not be accurate or complete.

For example, when you see/hear about death tolls, pay attention to what's reported for each group involved.

Watch out for language that points to sweeping generalizations of people. Remember, no matter what, we are talking about HUMAN BEINGS. Be aware of coverage that portrays people as anything other than that.

Words mean things.

#4: Follow the money.

News organizations, whether print, television, or digital, are BUSINESSES. They have owners, investors, and advertisers who provide funding. It's important to understand these financial interests because they can influence the type of coverage these outlets offer.

Making these financial connections takes some digging. But uncovering who controls the purse strings can explain why some stories get covered and others ignored.

Following the money provides crucial clues for detecting influencing forces and hidden agendas.

Some of the most influential people in the world own or control media platforms. Why? Media is one of the most powerful ways to tell a story...because it scales.

You tell a story good enough and frequently enough, and whoever you're telling it to will likely believe it, or at least form rock-solid opinions about those involved in the narratives.

#5: Just because it’s viral on social media, doesn’t make it truuuuuueeeeeeee.

We’ve entered an era where virality often substitutes for validity, and that’s extremely dangerous.

The algorithms that drive your feed are not neutral. They are engineered to prioritize engagement over accuracy, outrage over nuance, and speed over depth. And what does that mean for you? That the loudest, most emotionally provocative content—the kind most likely to trigger a reaction—is what shows up first. Not necessarily what’s true. Not what’s complete. Not what’s good for public discourse.

This is how misinformation thrives.

The danger isn’t just in what gets amplified, it’s also in how it spreads. A single misleading post can rack up millions of views before a credible fact-check even enters the chat. And in the meantime, reputations are ruined, policies are misrepresented, and public sentiment is manipulated.

So before you repost that viral video, tweet, or carousel, ask yourself:

Where did this originate?

Who benefits from me believing this?

What questions aren't being asked here?

I’m not here to tell you what or who to believe. I’m here to help you sift through the overwhelming amount of content you’re being inundated with right now.

Media literacy isn’t a nice-to-have. It helps us construct nuanced perspectives, it undergirds constructive dialogue, and equips us to make sound, well-informed decisions.

So, ask tough questions. Demand substance over sensationalism. Evaluate the messenger with as much scrutiny as you evaluate the message.

That’s the best way to stay informed.

-Courtney