The Sift Strategy A Method For Spotting Fake News In Social Media Post

Pioneered by digital literacy experts, the "Sift" strategy is a technique for spotting fake news and misleading social media posts, says Amanda Ruggeri. It's no secret that misinformation is rampant on social media. And it's even more so in some subjects than others. Research has found, for example, that around two-thirds of the most popular YouTube videos on vaccines contain misinformation. The fall-out can be dire: an uptick in inaccurate anti-vaccination content online correlates with a decline in vaccination coverage, especially among children. That has led to larger outbreaks of potentially deadly diseases, like measles, than have been seen in recent years.

"Misinformation is worse than an epidemic," Marcia McNutt, president of the US National Academy of Sciences, put it in 2021, implicitly referring to the Covid-19 pandemic. "It spreads at the speed of light throughout the globe and can prove deadly when it reinforces misplaced personal bias against all trustworthy evidence." In today's onslaught of overwhelming information (and misinformation), it can be difficult to know who to trust. In this column, Amanda Ruggeri explores smart, thoughtful ways to navigate the noise. Drawing on insights from psychology, social science and media literacy, it offers practical advice, new ideas and evidence-based solutions for how to be a wiser, more discerning critical thinker. There are many reasons why misinformation travels so quickly – according to some research, even faster than accurate information.

One reason is that people are far more likely to share a claim when it confirms their pre-existing beliefs, regardless of its accuracy. This cognitive bias may help explain why even more misinformation seems to be shared by individuals than by bots. One study, for example, found that just 15% of news sharers spread up to 40% of fake news. The SIFT method is an evaluation strategy developed by digital literacy expert, Mike Caulfield, to help determine whether online content can be trusted for credible or reliable sources of information. All SIFT information on this page is adapted from his materials with a CC BY 4.0 license. Determining if resources are credible is challenging.

Use the SIFT method to help you analyze information, especially news or other online media. Before you read or share an article or video, STOP!​ Be aware of your emotional response to the headline or information in the article. Headlines are often meant to get clicks, and will do so by causing the reader to have a strong emotional response. What you already know about the topic. ​

What is SIFT (Infographic) This link opens in a new window The SIFT information presented has been adapted from materials by Mike Caulfield with a CC BY 4.0 This link opens in a new window license. Check out Shapiro Library's Emily Evaluates series! Emily Evaluates with SIFT is a 6 part narrative series of 1-2 minute videos in which a college student named Emily investigates accusations of fraud made against one of her professors using the SIFT... Follow along as Emily applies the SIFT steps in a real world scenario! SIFT is a source evaluation methodology created by Mike Caulfield, a misinformation researcher.

SIFT is a four-step method that helps you quickly evaluate online information by focusing your attention on what matters. The four moves—Stop, Investigate the source, Find better coverage, and Trace claims to the original context—guide you in identifying reliable sources, avoiding misinformation, and amplifying accurate content. By applying these moves with simple web techniques, you can become a more discerning consumer of information and resist the pull of clickbait. The SIFT method is especially helpful for evaluating news, social media, or other online media. Home > blogs > Spotting Misinformation Using the SIFT Method In the digital age, the abundance of information at our fingertips is both a blessing and a curse.

While we have unprecedented access to knowledge, we also face an overwhelming wave of misinformation, especially on social media platforms. However, by honing our critical thinking skills and employing effective strategies, we can empower ourselves to distinguish between fact and fiction. Among the various methods available, the SIFT method stands out as a user-friendly and comprehensive approach to identifying misinformation. Developed by digital literacy expert Mike Caulfield, SIFT is an acronym that represents four essential steps: Stop, Investigate the source, Find better coverage, and Trace the claim to its original context. In our fast-paced digital lives, the urge to react instantly to information is often overwhelming. However, the SIFT method encourages us to pause and resist the impulse to share or comment on a claim immediately.

By taking a moment to stop and reflect, we create space for critical thinking and avoid falling prey to knee-jerk reactions. Research has shown that relying on our gut feelings can often lead us astray, whereas taking a moment to pause allows us to engage our rational minds more effectively. Once we have paused, the next step is to investigate the source of the information. Often, social media posts appear in our feeds without a clear indication of their origin. Therefore, it's crucial to go beyond the platform and conduct a web search to determine who created the post. Moreover, it's essential to ensure that the website we consult is reputable and reliable.

Wikipedia, despite its limitations, can serve as a helpful starting point due to its collaborative nature and often detailed information about well-known figures or organizations. SIFT works great for fighting fake news and evaluating popular sources likes news broadcasts, news sites or newspapers, social media posts, and "viral" information. The SIFT Method is an evaluation method refined by Mike Caulfield. This method encourages us to think critically about sources before sharing the information. Fake news is created for many reasons, but its effect is predictable-- whatever the factual, unbiased, authoritative facts are, they are drowned out by alternative narratives. Herbert Simon (as quoted in Parrish, 2013) says,

"What information consumes is rather obvious: it consumes the attention of its recipients. Hence a wealth of information creates a poverty of attention, and a need to allocate that attention efficiently among the overabundance of information sources that might consume it." Fake news is intentional misinformation via print, broadcast, or social media. The intent of fake news is to deceive its audience for financial or political gain. During the 2016 US presidential election, however, "fake news" was a term used by Donald Trump and right-wing supporters to discredit information with which they disagreed, like opinion poll percentages, regardless of factual accuracy. Navigating the Deluge of Misinformation: A Practical Guide to Critical Thinking in the Digital Age

In today’s hyper-connected world, the rapid dissemination of information, both accurate and inaccurate, presents a significant challenge to discerning truth from falsehood. The proliferation of misinformation, particularly on social media platforms, poses a grave threat to public health, societal well-being, and democratic processes. This phenomenon, often exacerbated by algorithms and confirmation bias, requires individuals to adopt a critical and analytical approach to consuming and sharing information. The "SIFT" method, pioneered by digital literacy expert Mike Caulfield, offers a practical framework for navigating the complexities of the digital landscape and identifying misinformation. The SIFT method comprises four essential steps: Stop, Investigate, Find, and Trace. The first step, "Stop," encourages individuals to pause before engaging with or sharing online content.

This crucial initial step interrupts the impulsive nature of online interactions, allowing for a more deliberate and considered assessment of the information presented. By resisting the urge to immediately react or share, we create space for critical thinking and informed decision-making. The second step, "Investigate the source," emphasizes the importance of scrutinizing the origin of the information. It prompts us to question the credibility and potential biases of the source. Is the source a reputable news organization with a demonstrable commitment to journalistic integrity? Is the author an expert in the relevant field?

What are the source’s potential motivations, financial interests, or political affiliations? By critically evaluating the source, we can gain insights into the potential veracity and objectivity of the information presented. A helpful tool for this investigation is Wikipedia, which although not infallible, provides a readily accessible overview of individuals, organizations, and their potential biases. The third step, "Find better coverage," encourages us to seek corroboration from multiple reputable sources. If the initial source’s credibility is questionable, it’s essential to cross-reference the information with established news outlets, fact-checking websites, and other reliable sources. Google’s search engine, Google News, and Google Fact Check provide valuable resources for verifying information.

However, it’s important to note that even fact-checking websites require scrutiny, and checking their affiliation with organizations like the Poynter Institute’s International Fact-Checking Network can help ensure their reliability. Furthermore, reverse image search tools like Google Images, TinEye, and Yandex can be used to verify the authenticity and context of images and videos. In today's digital landscape, knowing when should you use the SIFT method is crucial to avoid misinformation. This 4-step guide, "Master the SIFT Method: A 4-Step Guide to Spotting Fake News," equips you with essential skills for evaluating online content. The SIFT method itself is a powerful tool, but understanding its application requires context. Consider the source: Is it a reputable news organization or a biased blog?

Lateral reading is another important technique; investigate claims by looking for corroborating evidence on other sites. Critical thinking skills also play a pivotal role; question assumptions and look for logical fallacies. Fact-checking websites, like Snopes, offer readily available assessments of viral stories. Mastering these elements, alongside SIFT, will help you navigate the complexities of online information. Image taken from the YouTube channel Vanderbilt Libraries Teaching & Learning , from the video titled Using SIFT to Evaluate Sources for Credibility Tutorial . In today's digital age, being bombarded with information is the norm.

Unfortunately, not all of that information is accurate. Fake news and misinformation spread rapidly, making it crucial to develop skills for discerning truth from falsehood. One powerful tool in this fight is the SIFT method. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and implementing SIFT to protect yourself from online deception and will help you understand when should you use the SIFT method. SIFT is a straightforward, four-step process designed to quickly and effectively evaluate the credibility of online information. It stands for:

Each step is vital, and together they form a robust system for verifying the accuracy of online content. SIFT is an easy four-step process that will help you determine if a source is trustworthy or not. Most of the information regarding the SIFT method is originated by Mike Caulfield, who is currently the Director of Blended and Networked Learning at Washington State University, Vancouver. S STOP: Before you share or use a source, ask yourself : "Am I familiar with this source? Does it have a good reputation? Do I know this claim is factual?

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