Misinformation is widespread online, especially on social media. In some areas, like vaccines, about two-thirds of the top YouTube videos on the topic contain false or misleading claims. This isn’t just harmless confusion, increased misinformation has been linked to drops in vaccination rates and outbreaks of diseases like measles. Part of the problem lies in how we process information. People are more likely to share something if it confirms what they already believe, regardless of accuracy. Studies have shown that individuals, not bots, spread much of the misinformation online. Since we’re responsible, we can also help stop it. Being more mindful before reacting or reposting is a powerful first step. Research shows that even pausing to reflect makes us less likely to fall for false information. One proven strategy is the SIFT method: Stop before reacting; Investigate the source; Find better coverage from credible outlets; and Trace the original context of the claim. For example, checking a creator’s background, reading the full article instead of just the headline, or using fact-checking sites can help us spot misleading content. Reverse image searches can verify photos and videos. Tracing a quote back to its original speech can reveal if it was taken out of context. In a world where anyone can post anything, it’s up to each of us to think critically and help slow the spread of misinformation, one click at a time.
