Why do we need fact-checking?
Posted: Mon Jan 06, 2025 4:36 am
In addition to the good purpose of spreading the truth, fact-checking is worthwhile for personal gain. It is based on eliminating risks.
The example with the student is only the tip of the iceberg of possible consequences from the dissemination of fake information. By revealing deception of varying degrees, society reacts according to its scale. This is especially noticeable in such areas as show business and politics.
But if we think more narrowly, let's imagine that you run a blog for an IT company. You publish one article in which you write that people access the Internet more often from desktop devices (a lie!). The second article - that junior developers will receive 250 thousand in 2024 (doubtful!). There is no point in publishing a third, since no one will read it. And because of your efforts to attract clients and employees with biased data, the agency will lose them.
Let's return to the global importance of fact-checking. There are at least four ethical reasons not to neglect it :
Preventing the spread of fakes. In a situation where information instantly flies across social networks and mass media, incorrect or distorted data quickly becomes the “truth” for a large audience. Fact-checking reveals lies and clears minds of misconceptions.
Protecting reputation. False statements cause damage to both individuals and organizations. They may require compensation for moral damages. Correct verification allows you to avoid this and maintain loyalty.
Counteracting manipulation. Verification and subsequent belgium whatsapp phone number exposure of deception stops manipulative techniques used in politics, advertising and media.
Improving the quality of journalism and the media. The use of fact-checking by journalists makes materials more reliable, which strengthens trust in the editorial board and cultivates the level of information culture in society.
The only problem is that it is becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish a lie from the truth. As Louis C.K. said: "The truth is always paradoxical. Sometimes you tell the truth, and they say: well, you're a liar, but when you lie, everyone is surprised: wow, that's how life happens!" And the quote is not his, but Mikhail Zadorny's.
A simple copywriter or even an editor physically cannot always obtain data from the first person. No one will even pay them extra for the investigation they have done. Meanwhile, the public demands numbers, names, dates, events, refusing texts without specifics. In such cases, specialists refer to the nearest source, thereby shifting the blame.
More competent publications understand the significance of the facts and allocate special positions for analysis.
On topic. How to write material on RB.ru
The example with the student is only the tip of the iceberg of possible consequences from the dissemination of fake information. By revealing deception of varying degrees, society reacts according to its scale. This is especially noticeable in such areas as show business and politics.
But if we think more narrowly, let's imagine that you run a blog for an IT company. You publish one article in which you write that people access the Internet more often from desktop devices (a lie!). The second article - that junior developers will receive 250 thousand in 2024 (doubtful!). There is no point in publishing a third, since no one will read it. And because of your efforts to attract clients and employees with biased data, the agency will lose them.
Let's return to the global importance of fact-checking. There are at least four ethical reasons not to neglect it :
Preventing the spread of fakes. In a situation where information instantly flies across social networks and mass media, incorrect or distorted data quickly becomes the “truth” for a large audience. Fact-checking reveals lies and clears minds of misconceptions.
Protecting reputation. False statements cause damage to both individuals and organizations. They may require compensation for moral damages. Correct verification allows you to avoid this and maintain loyalty.
Counteracting manipulation. Verification and subsequent belgium whatsapp phone number exposure of deception stops manipulative techniques used in politics, advertising and media.
Improving the quality of journalism and the media. The use of fact-checking by journalists makes materials more reliable, which strengthens trust in the editorial board and cultivates the level of information culture in society.
The only problem is that it is becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish a lie from the truth. As Louis C.K. said: "The truth is always paradoxical. Sometimes you tell the truth, and they say: well, you're a liar, but when you lie, everyone is surprised: wow, that's how life happens!" And the quote is not his, but Mikhail Zadorny's.
A simple copywriter or even an editor physically cannot always obtain data from the first person. No one will even pay them extra for the investigation they have done. Meanwhile, the public demands numbers, names, dates, events, refusing texts without specifics. In such cases, specialists refer to the nearest source, thereby shifting the blame.
More competent publications understand the significance of the facts and allocate special positions for analysis.
On topic. How to write material on RB.ru