Wendy Oellers-Fulmer: In an unprecedented age of information, facts still matter

To The Daily Sun,

We live in an unprecedented age of information. With the click of a finger, millions can receive headlines, memes, news updates and video clips. Unfortunately, misinformation can travel just as quickly.

As the November midterm elections approach, political messaging will dramatically increase. Regardless of our political beliefs, perhaps one responsibility we share as citizens is to ask a simple question before accepting or sharing something: Is it true?

This requires looking beyond a blaring headline or provocative social media post. What is the original source? Is the information fact or commentary? Do several independent, reputable news organizations report the same basic facts?

If the subject is an executive order, legislation or court ruling, take the time to discover what it actually says. Then consult multiple independent news organizations with established standards for sourcing, corrections and factual reporting, and compare how they report the same information.

The relentless stream of breaking news, ongoing crises and political controversy can leave us overwhelmed and fatigued. Yet that very fatigue makes it even more important to pause and question what we are hearing and reading.

We tend to more readily accept information that supports what we already believe. But when a story makes us angry, frightened or even validated, fact-checking becomes even more important.

Democracy does not mean we agree politically. We can support different candidates and have different ideas about what is best for our country.

But we should begin with a commitment to verify the facts.

Before we react, share or respond, perhaps the most important action we can take is simply to check.

Wendy Oellers-Fulmer

Gilford