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How to Avoid Fake News


More links online are being distributed that seem questionable. Most people do not necessarily check what they are sharing. In increasing numbers, social media posts are full of misleading information through simple content and catchy images. Not only that, readers tend to easily accept articles that are in line with their own bias and assumptions. These red flags should push every online browser and reader to look out for specific details and elements to avoid fake news altogether.


Spot the common features



It is a proven fact that when we read a word, we mainly look at the first and last letter. We might miss the mistake on the spelling or actually read a similar word that has the same letters and confuse ourselves for a split second. The same is true when reading and sharing fake news online. The name of the website looks similar enough to the news sites but with one difference, the website url ends in “lo” or “.com.co”. Look out for some of these strange urls.



Other important components include poor grammar and countless typos. If the publisher of the content did not take the time to use a basic spell check, it is one of the sure signs they also did not take the time to properly research their news article. Not only that, be aware untraceable quotes that cannot be corroborated in Google or other online sources. If the article seems to only support one point of view, with all the supporting data focusing on one alternative – this dictates that the quotes and sources might not be easily found. Beware of content fallacies and inconsistencies.


Above all, images posted with news articles attract our attention. We have seen too many links on social media where celebrities are used to promote products or services. The same is true for false news. Photoshopped pictures are designed to grab your attention as you browse and scroll, with the intention that you click on the link. Take the time to review the photo with a longer glance before reading news information that is misleading.


Burst the bias bubble



Just because we have instant access to the internet through our cell phones, does not mean we know everything. Most news is actually researched and evaluated before publishing because reporters and publishers will be asked to show their sources. For every claim there is needs to be supporting evidence. When readers evaluate their options, their own bias and ignorance might lead them to wrong information, dismissing anything that is not right in their own eyes. Make sure to be more critical about everything you read and hear.


A practical way to avoid your bubble is to consider the opposite argument. Taking the time to think through the data provides a better guidance to judge the news shared. This can include also talking to people with opposing views and see their point of view. The facts that seemed very clear might not be so, once you gather more information to reexamine and possibly reconsider your thoughts.


Another point to recognize is curiosity. When a child, curiosity helped bring new discoveries in life. While in school, curiosity was the fuel to always ask questions about new information. In a way, being curious helps to overcome the short-sightedness all humans have towards opinions and alternative ways of thinking. As we grow older, most things in life become concrete and we lose our imagination for alternative options. Try to always keep an open mind as you read news and do some research before making a final decision.


Stop spreading it


Especially when it comes to sharing something on social media, no one takes the time to read the whole article and just looks at the headline. Most likely, just looking at how many people commented and shared it, provides a basis for why we just click to share. Ask yourself if you are only adding this to your profile just because it shows others that you care about this topic or you are actually adding to the conversation. No matter if you are sharing something on your blog, social media accounts or via email, always know what you are spreading or you might have to delete posts, provide a defense and recall emails.




Word of mouth is still the most popular way to share news; 85% to be exact. Basically, all of us online users are in a way reporters and publishers. We share our photos, thoughts and activities of the day. All your friends and followers actually read and consume what you share. They trust that you are giving them something valuable and worth looking at.

As consumers, with each technological innovation, we are becoming smarter and our habits are changing. People are looking for quick but worthwhile reads, useful information and a lot of visuals. Everyone is hoping someone will explain the details to them so they make their decision without too much work. So all our facts are based on the article title or subheadings within the article. Let’s stop allowing anyone to be reeled in by untrustworthy sources.


19 Oct, 2020
AdPerfect, one of the leading obituary platforms used by media companies across North America, will provide its technology and expertise to The Seattle Times, the most read local news and information company in the Pacific Northwest. The AdPerfect Obituary platform provides readers and customers with an exceptional experience for sharing the life and memories of a loved one who has passed. The platform provides a modern user interface and an efficient self-serve option for funeral homes and private parties to place obituary notices. “We’ve worked closely with AdPerfect for a number of years on other products and their customer service, attention to detail and willingness to be a true partner is second to none”, said Gary Smith, VP of Advertising – The Seattle Times AdPerfect was acquired by Tribute Technology last August, a company that provides funeral management and website software to 70% of the funeral home businesses in the U.S.A and Canada. Today, with a direct connection between AdPerfect’s obituary software solution and local funeral home’s software, this never-before-seen opportunity is quickly being adopted by hundreds of local media outlets. “We’re ecstatic to have The Seattle Times take advantage of our obituary platform, as the devotion and admiration they enjoy from informed readers throughout the Pacific Northwest demonstrates how committed they are to their customers. Being able to provide The Seattle Times and funeral homes in the Seattle area with a fully integrated platform will mean better service for families” said Jim McIntosh, Executive Chairman of AdPerfect. About AdPerfect AdPerfect is the most trusted provider of mobile-friendly self-service advertising solutions for publishers and newspapers. We build reliable online platforms and engaging interfaces focused on attracting advertisers, driving user traffic and growing print and digital revenue. For more than a decade, we have always been, and continue to be, committed to designing technologies that support the evolving needs of the media publishing industry. For more information, contact Jim McIntosh, Executive Chairman, AdPerfect at jim.mcintosh@adperfect.com or phone 604.760.9039.   About The Seattle Times The Seattle Times serves the Northwest with independent, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalism, as the region’s most trusted news media company, dedicated to public service. The Seattle Times is the second largest newspaper on the West Coast and the most-visited digital information source in the state. Founded in 1896 by Alden J. Blethen, The Seattle Times is now led by the Blethen family’s fourth and fifth generations. It also owns the Yakima Herald-Republic and The Walla Walla Union-Bulletin About Tribute Technology Tribute Technology is the leading technology provider for the funeral and death care industry. Tribute Technology provides website design and development; online obituary applications; case management software; extensive funeral payment technology including credit card processing, ACH payments, crowdfunding, financing, and life insurance assignments; floral eCommerce solutions; digital marketing services; and personalization software for keepsakes, funeral stationery, and video. Tribute Technology's goal is to be the turnkey funeral technology solution for funeral homes and publishers across North America.
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