Yesterday Meta announced that it is quitting fact-checking “in the name of free speech.” Many media outlets and commentators are clutching their pearls at the anticipated flood of misinformation about to be released. How popular platforms’ tepid and halfhearted approach to this enterprise has impressed them so far is beyond me.
The best source of fact-checking is in our own laps.
A Facebook friend outlines a very simple “Do It Yourself” verifying process that has been around long before the internet. It is ultimately more satisfying. In addition, the internet, properly used, provides vast banks of information that make DIY a cinch.
When the next meme, breathless story, or “science” report pops up on your screen, run it through the following process.
Who told me?
How sound is their background and experience generally?
How sound is the author or group? Research further if not known.
What biases condition the source of information?
What is the information trying to achieve?
What is my bias – why does this info attract or repel me?
Information, no matter its source, filtered through this exercise, will find its proper place on the scale of reliability.
Wondering Pilgrim 
So many people just read the clickbait and then get furious about what it says. I shake my head sometimes. Critical thinking is so important and even more so these days. Thanks for your tips.
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