THE FRONT PORCH: How can I stay politically informed in the era of misinformation?

By Dakota Baker, RealWV

In a world where every thought, opinion, and AI-generated media is blasted all over the internet, it can become overwhelming to sift through what is true and false.

Additionally, it can make seeking to educate yourself on politics a bit more challenging. 

What can I do to combat misinformation and stay informed?

Research is first and foremost in the fight against misinformation. Debunking misinformation has been shown to be generally effective across all ages and cultures, according to the American Psychological Association, or APA. Debunking is most effective when it comes from trusted sources.

How do I know if I am using a credible source?

Trusted sources should provide sufficient details on why a claim is false and offer guidance toward what is true. Methods such as the SIFT method, can be beneficial:

Stop: Pause before reacting or sharing; do not share immediately.

Investigate the source: Look at who is responsible for posting the information. Check credentials, expertise, and motivation. Can these claims be backed by credible sources? 

Find trusted sources: Search to see if reputable or official outlets are sharing the same information. Look to sources beyond your typical news channel or social media.

Trace the claim: Where did the message originate, and has it been distorted or manipulated? 

If you are unsure of your sources, there are nonpartisan, nonprofit resources available to help close the misinformation gap, such as www.factcheck.org/, whose mission is to reduce the level of deception and confusion in U.S. politics.

Additional Helpful Links:

Stopping the spread of misinformation, with Sander van der Linden, PhD

www.votesmart.org/ – provides factual and nonpartisan information on candidate votes, campaign finances, and public stances without corporate or party funding.

www.opensecrets.org – tracks how money is being used in U.S. politics, including campaign contributions, lobbying, and financial disclosures from official government records.