Some news may seem too good (or unfortunately, too bad) to be true. The same holds true for information that you may choose to source when creating content such as white papers, blog posts, and other sales and marketing materials. In order to verify the validity of what you are reading or publishing, it’s important that you don’t neglect your due diligence. Here are several recommendations on how to go on your own fact checking mission.

Fact checking information found on the Internet

  • If you see a fishy headline, google the exact headline; if it’s fake you should immediately see links debunking it. Snopes.com and Reported.ly also investigate the validity of Internet content.
  • Also, check the source. Go the website’s “about” tab. If it’s a site for a single purpose or cause, consider the fact that the information may be biased. Reputable sources include hyperlinks to research, while fake sites offer no backup and frequently sport spelling or grammatical errors.
  • Check out the author and verify their occupation.

Mistakes can still happen – what to do if you share untrue information

Correct your mistake(s) — immediately. Update those with whom you shared the information, including online sites and social media channels, and make sure your original materials are deleted.

Remember the why

Obviously, you and your organization’s reputation are on the line. Don’t let your important cause, message or sales pitch be overshadowed by an error. Once published, your errors take on a life of their own! Who among us actively looks for “corrections” from the media? Remember that.  So make sure not to underestimate the critical nature of this important part of the work you publish.

“Some news may seem too good (or unfortunately, too bad) to be true. In order to verify the validity of what you are reading or publishing, it’s important that you don’t neglect your due diligence.”

Keep on checking

The simple steps above give you a short course on fact checking for information found on the Internet. But don’t stop there, fact check everything including going to the source if necessary. If you can’t get to the source, get as close as you can! Using email helps to create a paper trail, but a phone call can work too. Usually, based on your topic or content, there are trusted sources of information. Seek them out, and if you question anything but can’t locate a source, delete.

More quick resources

Check out the CIA World Factbook, www.politifact.com (for U.S. political news coverage) or https://www.sec.gov/edgar/searchedgar for information on publically-traded companies in the United States.  These are just a few of the great resources available online.

Stop fake news before it happens

You can be part of the solution, not the problem. We’ve all had just about enough fake news for a lifetime.