Rev. Judith M. Barnett
Publisher, Green Egg Magazine

In today’s digital landscape, information spreads at unprecedented speeds. A single click can share content with thousands, potentially influencing opinions and decisions worldwide. This rapid transmission makes it essential to verify information before sharing it. When we skip this verification step, we risk becoming unwitting vehicles for misinformation, potentially damaging our credibility and contributing to broader societal confusion.

Vetting information requires developing critical thinking skills and applying specific verification techniques.

This includes checking the source’s reputation, looking for corroborating evidence from multiple reliable outlets, verifying dates for timeliness, examining whether claims are presented with proper context, and being particularly cautious with content that triggers strong emotional reactions. These extra moments of scrutiny can make the difference between spreading clarity or confusion.

The consequences of sharing unverified information extend beyond personal reputation. Misinformation can fuel public health crises, influence electoral outcomes, damage innocent individuals’ reputations, and erode trust in legitimate institutions. Each time we share content without verification, we potentially contribute to these larger problems. Conversely, when we commit to vetting information before sharing, we help build a more informed society where thoughtful engagement with information is valued over speed and sensationalism.

The remainder of this article gives you the tools you need to recognize and shut down misinformation.