False information that is spread online is known as misinformation or disinformation. These are most commonly referred to as ‘fake news’ or ‘hoaxes’ (NSPCC)
We all consume a wide range of media every single day, and not all of it will be factually correct. It’s not just important to understand how to fact check what we see online but also how to have a conversation with friends, family or anyone else who might believe what would be considered fake news.
A respectful conversation around misinformation can be very important in stopping the spread of it to others.
On this page we’ve listed some things to remember when taking part in these types of conversations. These conversations could be in person or on social media.
1. Stay calm and be polite
Arguments are more likely to happen if you put your points across in a confrontational way. Being rude and overly dismissive of their opinion will only result in them getting annoyed at you. Listen to what they are saying and be respectful. You’ll then have your chance to calmly talk about your opinion on the topic and explain why you have reason to believe what they are saying could be misinformation.
Try to avoid a disagreement getting heated and remember to take a break from speaking about a particular topic if you need to.
2. Have empathy
We can all get emotional, especially when it comes to our opinions and beliefs. Therefore, people could feel hurt or become defensive if you just tell them they’re wrong. Look for common ground and try to understand how they’ve reached their opinion. Put yourself in their shoes and try to ask if you’d believe the same things if you’d had the same experiences as them.
3. Be patient
People can take a long time to alter their opinions so remember to be patient. We all share different opinions and your conversation may inspire them to do more research but don’t expect them to have changed their mind by the end of the conversation!
4. Encourage critical thinking
If they don’t seem convinced by your point of view you could talk about strategies for checking if a source is reliable and if the information is true.
Check out our article all about Fact Checking. It includes some tips on how to identify if the information is accurate as well as a list of fact-checking websites you can use.
5. Ask questions
Remember to ask questions and not just talk about your point of view. You could try asking and considering the following in your discussion:
- What is the original source?
- Who wrote it?
- What evidence do they use?
- What is their motivation?
- Is the information biased or taking one side?
- Has the information been reported anywhere else?
- What do other sources say?
Find out more about fake news and fact checking on our InfoWise page.