Navigating the Era of Disinformation: How to Identify False Information

In an era where disinformation floods media channels, experts are urging increased vigilance among news consumers. A timely discussion on fact-checking and artificial intelligence took place at Wilbur Cross on April 1, bringing together journalism professionals to address the growing challenge of separating fact from fiction.

Katie Sanders, editor-in-chief of PolitiFact, a nonpartisan fact-checking website, joined Amanda J. Crawford, professor in the Department of Journalism at the University of Connecticut, to discuss deceptive media posts and methods consumers can employ to uncover truth in an increasingly complex information landscape.

Sanders highlighted a recent example of disinformation: the falsely reported death of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which spread rapidly across multiple social media platforms. PolitiFact’s swift debunking of this claim became their most popular fact-check, demonstrating the public’s hunger for verification amid the chaos of misinformation.

“Transparency, rabid nonpartisanship, and publicly correcting mistakes are among our core principles,” Sanders explained. She emphasized that PolitiFact strives to scrutinize both political parties equally, maintaining journalistic integrity throughout their verification process.

The fact-checking process begins with source analysis, according to Sanders. This includes investigating who is behind posts, examining evidence supporting claims, and comparing information across multiple sources. For visual content, fact-checkers often employ reverse image search technology to verify a photo’s origins.

Crawford stressed the importance of applying critical thinking to all information encountered online. “When we see something that supports our preconceived bias, we are more likely to fall for it,” she warned. “We’re all at risk with being okay with disinformation if it supports our side.”

PolitiFact’s methodology relies on their “Truth-O-Meter,” a rating system that categorizes claims on a spectrum from “True” to “Pants on Fire”—the latter reserved for statements that are both inaccurate and deemed ridiculous allegations. Each fact-check undergoes rigorous review by three editors who challenge reporters to provide evidence for every assertion made in their analysis.

Despite the crucial importance of fact-checking, Crawford cautioned that there are instances when verification efforts can “backfire.” As a researcher specializing in misinformation and media coverage of mass shootings, she expressed concern about inadvertently amplifying little-known falsehoods through the fact-checking process itself, potentially giving them unwanted traction.

While the spread of false information on social media isn’t new, the increasing sophistication of generative AI has dramatically lowered barriers to creating convincing deception. Crawford cited seemingly innocuous AI-generated cat videos that many believe are real as a concerning indicator. “If we’re falling for benign fake cat videos, will we also believe consequential disinformation?” she questioned.

Sanders shared a more troubling example: PolitiFact recently investigated an AI-generated video showing a crying toddler touching the casket of his military father allegedly killed in Iran. The emotional video elicited widespread empathy from viewers who believed it depicted a real event, demonstrating how AI can manipulate emotions to spread misinformation.

Despite these concerns, Sanders noted that AI offers some benefits to fact-checkers. PolitiFact is experimenting with a “Jurisprudence Assistant” that generates recommended ratings by analyzing their archive of previous claim assessments. She emphasized that while this AI tool can provide additional information or help strengthen conclusions, PolitiFact does not use artificial intelligence to draft or edit stories.

For those new to fact-checking, Sanders suggested that AI tools like ChatGPT can serve as starting points for research, similar to search engines. However, she emphasized the need for caution, as these tools can generate fake sources and misleading information.

The discussion, sponsored by UConn, PolitiFact, and the Connecticut Foundation for Open Government, concluded with a clear message: stay vigilant and approach all information with healthy skepticism. As AI continues to evolve, the ability to discern fact from fiction becomes not just a journalistic skill but a civic necessity.