ADAPTATION GUIDE

 Dear Disaster Diary,

It is man that makes truth great, not truth that makes man great.

- Confucius

According to the World Economic Forum in January 2024, the number one Global risk ranked by severity over the short term (2 years) is:

Misinformation And Disinformation

How to Recognize Fake News: A Guide

Part 1.

In today's digital age, distinguishing between real news and fake news can be challenging. Here are some tips to help you navigate through the sea of information with a critical eye:

• Source Evaluation:
  • Who is sharing the news? Consider the credibility of the source. Is it a reputable news outlet, or an unknown website or social media account?
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• Tone and Language:
  • Pay attention to the tone of the news piece. Is it neutral and factual, or does it use sensationalist language and exhibit bias?
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• Intention:
  • Try to discern the intention behind the news. Is it aimed at informing or manipulating? Is there an agenda or bias apparent in the reporting?
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• Confirmation Bias:
  • Be wary of news that reinforces your existing beliefs or biases. Fake news often plays on preconceived notions or prejudices.
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• Attribution:
  • Check if the news article provides sources or references. Are these sources credible? Can they be verified through other reputable sources?
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• Author Information:
  • Look for information about the author of the news piece. Do they have expertise or credibility in the subject matter? Are they transparent about their background and affiliations?
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• Image Verification:
  • Examine any accompanying images or videos. Do they accurately represent the described event? Reverse image search can help verify the authenticity of visuals.
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• Image Source:
  • Determine the source of the image. Is it from a reliable source, or could it be manipulated or taken out of context?

By applying these principles, you can develop a more discerning eye when consuming news online and better protect yourself from falling victim to misinformation and manipulation. Remember to always verify information from multiple sources before accepting it as truth.

Acknowledgment: WEF-Risikobericht ( based on around 1200 experts, scientists, politicians and risk- managers ).

Neue Zürcher Zeitung

CBC