Challenge #2:
Be Skeptical
1. Be skeptical, but not cynical. Seek evidence.
1. Be skeptical, but not cynical. Seek evidence.
What is the difference between being skeptical and cynical?
- "Some people believe that skepticism is the rejection of new ideas. Often people confuse “skeptic” with “cynic.” Skeptic is derived from the Greek skeptikos, which means, “inquiring” or “to look around.” The skeptic requires evidence before claims are accepted as fact (fact, not in layman terms, but fact as tentative). It is important to consider who’s making the claim, but no matter who it may be, evidence is required." (source)
- "Cynics are distrustful of any advice or information that they do not agree with themselves. Cynics do not accept any claim that challenges their belief system." (source)
2. Evaluate information.
2. Evaluate information.
Apply E.S.C.A.P.E. Junk News tips. Scroll through them below:
ESCAPE-Junk-News-Poster-w-FB.pdfTried triangulation?
Tried triangulation?
Can you find at least 2 or more other quality sources that confirm the information?
Determine if the source is shareworthy. Below, scroll through questions to ask yourself:
FINAL-Share-Worthy-Poster.pdf3. Browse & use fact-checking resources.
3. Browse & use fact-checking resources.
Did you know?
Did you know?
The International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) launched a code of principles for fact-checking in September 2016. Facebook, Google, and other groups are partnering with IFCN for their fact-checking initiatives, and verified signatories from the United States include those linked below.
