Strategies to guide through the madness
by Ben Cable (Citizen Ben)
Originally Posted on Substack Feb. 24, 2025
Fake news is deliberately misleading or false information presented as legitimate news. To protect yourself and others from misinformation, follow these strategies:
1. Check the Source
- Verify if the source is reputable. Established news organizations follow journalistic standards.
- Be skeptical of websites with odd domain names (e.g., “.lo” or “.co” attached to familiar news brands).
- Consider whether the source has a known bias or history of misleading reports.
2. Cross-Check with Other Reports
- If a claim is true, multiple credible sources will report on it.
- Be wary of stories that only appear on fringe sites or social media.
3. Look for Evidence
- Legitimate news includes sources, data, and quotes from experts.
- Beware of stories relying on anonymous sources or emotional language without proof.
4. Watch for Sensationalism
- Fake news often uses dramatic headlines, ALL CAPS, or excessive exclamation points.
- If it sounds too shocking to be true, it likely needs verification.
5. Identify Satire and Entertainment Disguised as News
- Some outlets mix news with entertainment, making it hard to distinguish fact from opinion.
- For example, Fox News defended itself in court by claiming it is an “entertainment” network, not a news provider, arguing that viewers should not take certain hosts literally. This admission undercuts its credibility as a strict news source.
6. Use Fact-Checking Websites
- Reliable fact-checkers include:
7. Why You Shouldn’t Spread Unverified News
- Spreads Fear and Misinformation – False claims can cause panic, confusion, or harm public safety.
- Damages Reputations – Individuals and businesses can suffer from baseless accusations.
- Undermines Trust in Real News – When fake stories go viral, people may begin to doubt all news, even credible sources.
- Can Have Real-World Consequences – False information has led to violence, wrongful arrests, and public policy changes based on lies.
- You May Be Held Accountable – Spreading false information can lead to backlash, loss of credibility, or even legal consequences.
8. Example: A High-Profile Fake News Case That Caused Harm
One of the most well-known cases of fake news causing real-world harm is the Dominion Voting Systems v. Fox News lawsuit. After the 2020 U.S. presidential election, Fox News repeatedly aired false claims that Dominion’s voting machines were involved in election fraud. These baseless allegations contributed to widespread misinformation, undermined trust in the electoral system, and fueled tensions that culminated in events like the January 6th Capitol riot.
As a result, Dominion sued Fox News for defamation, arguing that the network knowingly spread falsehoods to retain its audience. In 2023, Fox settled the lawsuit for $787.5 million, one of the largest defamation settlements in history. The case demonstrated how fake news, even from major outlets, can have significant legal, financial, and societal consequences.
9. Example: An Individual Held Liable for Spreading Fake News
A major case of an individual being held accountable for spreading fake news is Alex Jones and the Sandy Hook Defamation Lawsuit. Alex Jones, the host of the conspiracy website InfoWars, falsely claimed that the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting was a hoax staged by crisis actors to push gun control.
His repeated lies led to years of harassment, threats, and emotional distress for the families of the victims. Some parents had to move multiple times due to threats from Jones’ followers.
In 2022, Jones was sued for defamation by multiple Sandy Hook families and was ordered to pay nearly $1.5 billion in damages for spreading false claims. The case set a precedent that individuals who deliberately spread harmful fake news can be held legally and financially responsible.
10. Challenge and Report Fake News
- Politely correct misinformation when you see it, providing sources.
- Report false stories to social media platforms if they violate policies.
- Encourage critical thinking by discussing media literacy with friends and family.
By staying informed and skeptical, you can help combat the spread of misinformation and ensure a more informed society.
