In an age where misinformation spreads rapidly, spotting false or misleading information is crucial…especially during this election cycle.

From social media to news outlets, misinformation can take many forms—distorted facts, misleading images, and even outright lies. But, there’s a practical method you can use to verify information before sharing it: ‘SIFT.’

 

 

 

The SIFT method, developed by digital literacy expert Mike Caulfield, consists of four steps designed to help people critically analyze sources:

1.Stop: Before sharing or engaging with information, pause and consider if you recognize the source. If something seems out of the ordinary, take a moment to investigate.

2.Investigate the Source: Check where the information comes from. Is it a reputable source? Are there experts or credible organizations associated with the information? This step helps you understand the potential biases or credibility of the source.

3.Find Better Coverage: Look for other reliable sources covering the same topic. If a story is legitimate, trusted news organizations are likely to report on it, often providing additional context or clarification.

4.Trace Claims, Quotes, and Media Back to the Original Context: Misinformation often uses out-of-context quotes or images to mislead. Tracing these elements back to their original context can reveal the truth.

 

 

As the saying goes: Only YOU Can Prevent Spreading Misinformation.’ (Okay, we made that up.)

But by following the SIFT method, you can be a responsible, digitally-savvy citizen.