CHECK IT BEFORE YOU WRECK IT. Think twice before you share.
If you check social media, you’ll see that emotions are running high and the political discourse is extremely charged at the moment. Media creation is at an all-time high, and now (especially with AI), a lot of it isn’t real.
People are sharing old videos, deepfakes, incorrectly captioned clips, and sensationalized edits. Content is being weaponized to incite fear, division, and violence. This is media warfare (and ignorance) and we’re in the middle of it.
So here’s a quick checklist that can be used before reposting or reacting (copy, paste, and keep it close):
THE CHECK IT BEFORE YOU WRECK IT LIST:
Pause. Do you really need to share this immediately? Avoid rage-sharing. If it feels too extreme, question it.
Check the date. Is this from today or five years ago? When was it taken?
Check the source. Who created it? Who posted it? Are they credible? Use tools like Google Lens for reverse image search. If it’s a new video, it may not be indexed by search engines yet, so do a manual Google or social media search to see where it may have originated.
Is it providing full context? Is this clip missing key moments? Does it start late or cut off early? Does the image or video bring up more questions than it answers?
Could this potentially be harmful? Could it put someone at risk, especially vulnerable communities? Are you contributing to more chaos or clarity?
Now more than ever, we have to be critical consumers of all media. Here’s how to build that media discernment muscle:
Diversify your sources. Read across the spectrum, even the ones you disagree with
Prioritize reporters with integrity. Many list their credentials, sources, and funding models openly.
Follow local and independent outlets. Local reporters are closer to the story and more accountable to their communities. Independent outlets are often nonprofit and audience-funded (not shaped by advertisers, shareholders, or political donors).
Use tools to fact-check. Media Bias or Ad Fontes can help you understand slants
Always ask: Is this informing me or inflaming me?
We need to be media literate. There’s no other option. Stay safe out there.
