Union News - December 2022
UTE scholarships have a requirement that the applicant write a 500 - 700 word essay, provide a submission in an audio format, visual (painting, drawing, sculpture or photograph), or video format that would express their views on one of four topics chosen by the Honours and Awards committee. One of the topics was having candidates suggest strategies to deal with all the information that we see coming from so many sources and how they attempt to validate truthful information from misinformation or conspiracy theories. The committee felt the following essay provided good tips and strategies to separate fact from fiction effectively in a unique way.
Gary Esslinger
Co-chair Honours and Awards Committee
BEING AN INTERNET DETECTIVE
Convenience is a trait that can serve as both a blessing and a hindrance. With the increased accessibility of fast search engines and vibrant social media posts, humans consume enormous amounts of knowledge daily but also develop an inherent lazy nature. The problem is no longer about finding information but avoiding traps or false news. Nowadays, verifying information becomes crucial, especially if important decisions are at stake. To navigate the complicated connected world, one must become a digital detective: skeptical, investigative, and self-conscious. One must not be quick to succumb to any content without carrying some doubt to remain not gullible among the lies of a deceptive world.
In many TV shows, detectives may do profiling on suspects. In the context of verifying information, it would be the creators. The internet and social media can be deceptive because people can easily manifest fake identities. With the possibility of troll accounts and bots, it is crucial to do a background check on the people who created the content. Background checking may involve checking their account history and previous content to see if they have said past conflicting statements or been consistent with their message. One may also examine their online presence on other platforms. For instance, observe their past interactions and supporters. These findings will indicate their biases and purposes, proving that they may not be objective. Additionally, looking for affiliations and sponsors will show whether bribery was involved.
An essential thing that any detective should do is study the evidence itself and look at the big picture. When consuming the information, try to note the tone to gauge a sense of whether the author is purely objective or carries an underlying opinion. If there are images, try to do a reverse image search to find their sources of origin or if they were stock photos. Articles and posts may selectively choose certain parts, so it is essential to refer to any references that the content has left. For instance, Wikipedia is a common source that is questionable in its credibility; however, the encyclopedia has always left a reference list, which would allow users to find the original resources. Depending on the topic, it is also beneficial to look at discussion boards or experts’ opinions to gauge an agreement. Additionally, the internet may provide a vast collection of tools to check suspicious websites or cross-reference images.
Lastly, a simple strategy is to develop self-control when consuming. Although examining oneself will not prove any credibility, it can help you develop techniques to help you digest information without being immediately gullible. For instance, be aware of your own inherent biases on the topic you are reading. Sometimes, we may naturally only pay attention to the parts we want to believe are authentic in a post; however, it makes us blind to everything else the post may be saying and obliterate any suspicion. One should also reframe from applying that content immediately. Whether one will use the information for an academic paper or an Amazon purchase, it is better to take five than make hasty decisions. Additionally, one must always maintain some skepticism. Not everything is a lie but remember that the content may only be brushing the surface of things. As a detective, maintaining some doubt is critical.
In conclusion, the internet is an overwhelming collection of accounts: some may be true, but some may be pushing a hidden message. While accessibility has developed from the era of newspapers and telegrams, it has become harder to trust anything. That is why one must always play the role of a detective when encountering information. Check the author, trace the source, and preserve a fresh batch of doubt. While this process may seem time-consuming, these strategies will become a part of intuition through repeated practice. Ultimately, people must rely on themselves to protect themselves from gullibility and lies.
Karlinna Nguyen