Methods People in 2024 Use to Fight Misinformation

With access to the Internet, you can get an answer to anything you want to know. However, is this the answer you’re looking for? Is the answer provided in the search result even accurate?

Finding the correct information is not as simple as it seems at first. While SERPs are generally reliable, companies can manipulate what information they receive through methods like SEO.

Not to mention that different countries receive different feeds, and government bias and censorship sometimes impacts the information that is shown on the search results pages. For instance, if there’s a disputed territory somewhere in the world, the border you see on Google Maps will depend on the country you are currently in.

There’s also a lot of contradictory information, and some people deliberately spread misinformation. Now, with AI bots, deepfakes, and generative AI, things seem even more complex to resolve.

So, how do you use search engines to discover the truth in 2024 against all we’ve listed above? Here are a few methods that people are using effectively.

1.    Using VPNs

Using VPNs to see what kind of news other regions see can give you a broader perspective. What’s shown in one country might be completely different from another, even on the same topic. This allows you to get a fuller picture and compare viewpoints without local biases limiting your access.

Your geographical location affects your feed and SERPs, meaning that search engines tailor your results based on your location. However, you can trick these algorithms into thinking you’re somewhere else with a VPN. This way, you’re exposed to a broader range of information that isn’t filtered through the usual geographic limitations.

Bypassing geo-restrictions and censorship is another significant benefit. Certain governments or organizations block content, preventing people from accessing information. A VPN helps you sidestep these barriers, so you’re not stuck only seeing what local authorities allow. This gives you more control over what you can learn and explore.

It’s a bonus to improve your security while browsing the internet. VPNs make it harder for people to track what you’re looking at. It’s also nice to know you’re doing so without anyone peeking over your shoulder while reading or researching sensitive topics. It adds an extra layer of privacy.

There are VPNs for every device, including mobile VPNs for security and speed, which often also have great desktop versions.

2.   Fact-checking websites

Verifying claims on trusted fact-checking platforms is an excellent habit to develop. Sometimes, news or other information spreads like wildfire online, but it doesn’t mean they’re all true. Sites like Snopes or PolitiFact specialize in digging into stories and separating truth from fiction, giving you peace of mind when you come across a claim that sounds too good (or bad) to be true.

Tools like Snopes, PolitiFact, and FactCheck.org are invaluable resources for double-checking what you hear. You can’t always take things at face value, especially in today’s online world. These platforms do the hard work of investigating, so you don’t have to. Moreover, they straightforwardly explain things, making it easier for anyone to understand. 

Sure, significant networks need to be held accountable, but even then, some of this false information comes from a source that (some) people trust. Even significant figures like Elon Musk are known to spread disinformation, and not all sites have integrated (or independent) fact-checkers.

Cross-referencing multiple fact-checkers can give you an even clearer picture. Every site is flawed, so checking several sources is helpful. This way, you can ensure that the information you rely on has been verified. Also, it helps you identify any potential bias from one source.

Relying on sources with transparent methodologies is critical. When fact-checkers show their process (how they found the information and how they analyzed it), you trust their conclusions more. It’s like seeing the ingredients in a recipe; you know what went into it. This kind of transparency makes their work more credible.

3.   Critical media literacy

Learning to spot biased or manipulated information is a skill we all need. Not everything you see or read is as objective as it appears. However, once you start recognizing patterns or loaded language, you can filter out biased content better. It’s about looking beyond the surface and asking, “Why is this being presented this way?”

Evaluating the credibility of sources helps you avoid falling for misinformation. Not all websites or news outlets are created equal. Some may have a hidden agenda or lack absolute authority on the subject they’re discussing. By checking their track record, you can quickly determine if you should trust what they’re saying or look elsewhere.

Questioning the motives behind specific news stories can open your eyes. It’s essential to think about why something is being reported or why it’s being framed a certain way. Is it meant to inform, or is it trying to sway your opinion? Also, awareness of these motives helps you become a more critical news consumer.

Recognizing the difference between opinion and fact can be tricky, but it’s crucial. These days, opinion pieces often blur the lines with news reporting. However, understanding that someone’s take on an issue isn’t the same as factual reporting can help you navigate the noise. It’s about distinguishing what’s grounded in reality versus what’s someone’s perspective.

4.   AI-powered misinformation detection tools

Using AI tools to flag misleading content has become a popular way to combat misinformation. AI can scan vast amounts of data in seconds, picking up on trends or inconsistencies the human eye might miss. Also, these tools continuously improve as they learn, making them more effective the more they are used.

From 2022 to 2023, the percentage of deepfake-specific fraud cases increased by 3,000%.

Identifying manipulated images and deepfakes is now much easier with AI. It’s becoming more challenging for the average person to tell the difference between real and fake, especially with how realistic these fakes are getting. AI, however, is designed to spot things like strange lighting or pixel patterns that humans might overlook.

AI excels at detecting automated bots spreading misinformation. Bots often follow specific patterns that AI can catch in real-time, reducing their ability to push false narratives. Moreover, these tools can recognize bot behaviour across platforms, making it easier to shut them down before they gain too much traction.

Leveraging AI to analyze news authenticity is becoming more common. AI can sift through articles to check their sources and compare them with verified facts. It also highlights any potential bias or inaccuracies, helping you make more informed decisions about what you’re reading.

Fighting misinformation often feels like an uphill battle

The problem with most of the misinformation is that it often sounds real. It’s especially troublesome when the information feeds into the narrative that you already believe or want to believe. Moreover, the information in question sounds more realistic, thanks to modern technology. This is why developing methods to combat disinformation and uncover the truth is even more critical.