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Misinformation has spread as fast as the coronavirus and can be as dangerous. I think we're specifically talking about COVID-19 and the vaccines and the delta variant. But there's just so much fake news in general. Here’s how to fight it.
1. Be skeptical, in general.
2. Is it a photo with text or a meme? A meme is not as credible as, for instance, a peer-reviewed study published in a scientific journal.
3. Is it hard to believe? Also, pay attention to wording and punctuation.
4. Check the source of the information. You can do this by checking if multiple, reputable news sources have reported on the claim made in the post.
5. Check for media bias. Media bias that can cause clouding, altering or taking truthful information out of context. Again, one of the best ways to check against media bias is to search for multiple, credible news outlets reporting the same thing with a source cited.
6. Read the story, not just the headline. It's possible that it's just click bait.
Resources that may be helpful against COVID misinformation and improving media literacy:
·Madison College Libraries: Tips for Spotting Fake News
·University of Texas Hogg Foundation for Mental Health: Improve Your Media Literacy During COVID
·Delta Variant: What We Know About the Science
·Shots give COVID-19 survivors big immune boost, studies show
·Leading SA: University Health’s Dr. Jason Bowling addresses concerns surrounding Delta variant
·Leading SA: UT Health SA doctor says 97% of COVID-19 patients in area hospitals are unvaccinated