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Misinformation March

This year, Middlesex County Library is participating in Misinformation March, a month-long event created by St Clair College Libraries. Each week, we’ll post a new tip and links to help you grow your digital literacy skills and avoid falling for misinformation.

Misinformation March Logo

What is Misinformation?

People usually use the word “misinformation” to describe:

  • Misinformation – false information created or shared without the intention to mislead
  • Disinformation – false information created or shared ­with the intention to mislead
  • Malinformation – true information presented in a misleading way

It includes things like:

  • an opinion stated as a fact
  • a news headline that uses exaggerated language
  • a paid advertisement that looks like an informational article
  • a photograph from one event placed in an article about a completely different event

Many of us know that misinformation is harmful, but…

What can we do about it?

We can start by learning how to spot misinformation. During the month of March we'll be sharing tips for how you can 

Tip One: Using the SIFT Method

The best way to avoid falling for misinformation is to learn how to spot it. The SIFT Method, created by digital literacy expert Mike Caulfield, is a great starting point. SIFT stands for:

S - Stop:

Before sharing or reacting to a post, stop. Ask if you know the source, trust it, or if it triggers a strong emotional reaction.

I - Investigate the Source:

Spend 60 seconds researching the source. Look them up on Wikipedia or search for "who is this" rather than just reading their "About Us" page.

F - Find Better Coverage:

Look for other reputable sources covering the same story or claim. See if the information is supported elsewhere.

T - Trace Claims/Media to Context:

Try to find the original source of the content, photo, or quote to understand its original context. 

For more information, check out these breakdowns of SIFT from the University of Chicago Library and journalist, Amanda Ruggeri.

SIFT breakdown

Image Attributions:

“Misinformation March” by Victoria Levang and Kimberly Daigneau, https://stclaircollege.libguides.com/Misinformationmarch used under CC BY‑NC 4.0

“SIFT (The Four Moves)” by Mike Caulfield, https://hapgood.us/2019/06/19/sift-the-four-moves/ used under CC BY 4.0