Thinking: Consider the Source

By Mary Gaul | July 24, 2020

In today’s world of 24/7 information its so easy to become attached to one or two sources that we rely on. Become more aware of the information you consume and how you approach and solve problems.

There is a great article in the AARP Bulletin (Yes I’m over 50 and love AARP’s resources!)

Here are a few excerpts and a link to the entire article.

Not too long ago, most American households subscribed to a newspaper, watched the news on one of three networks and maybe read a newsmagazine. Which meant most of us got a consensus view of the world each day.

As of 2018, however, only 16 percent of Americans read a printed newspaper. While TV remains a major news source, it is spread over far more stations with vastly different coverage and perspectives. The biggest change is how our news consumption has shifted online; today about half of Americans get the news via Facebook, the world’s largest social media site.

But staying informed online has its risks. Unlike a print publisher, a digital news provider can observe and store your every news choice, how long you interacted with it, whether you shared it and what you did after viewing it. With such data, it can filter what you see, showing you more content that aligns with your worldview — essentially putting you in a news bubble.

Fact-checking experts
Many independent fact-checking sites analyze popular claims, quotes and factual assertions for their accuracy. Tardáguila recommends these for when you want to investigate what you’ve read, seen or heard:

• PolitiFact.com – https://www.politifact.com/

• FactCheck.org https://www.factcheck.org/

• Snopes.com https://www.snopes.com/

• LeadStories.com https://leadstories.com/

• ScienceFeedback.co https://sciencefeedback.co/

• CheckYourFact.com https://checkyourfact.com/

Here is a link to the entire article: Its worth a read! https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/government-elections/info-2020/how-to-spot-fake-news.html

Download a free copy of my report: Creative and Critical Thinking Skills – Your Hidden Superpower