Selective use of graphs\/data<\/i><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nThe \u201cwhat\u2019s missing\u201d test is particularly important in cases where graphs and data are promoted in isolation without consideration of more comprehensive evidence and context.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some tips<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The beliefs and behaviours of people who produce or share these types of leaflets won\u2019t necessarily be changed by raw facts and data. However, what is important is how this information is treated once it\u2019s put through a letterbox or appears on your car windscreen. Fear underpins the willingness to believe this kind of information \u2014 a very normal response to difficult issues. COVID-19 has presented us all with huge challenges \u2014 from limiting our social contacts and opportunities, causing health scares with loved ones, on top of the economic and financial fall out \u2014 and there have been huge changes in how we live our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, three central \u2014 and crucially, non-threatening \u2014 questions can help us decipher fact from fiction when reading this type of content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Where\u2019s it from?<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you see a post on Facebook, a tweet by an account you don\u2019t recognise, or have a WhatsApp message beginning with \u201cmy friend says\u2026\u201d, take a moment. Check who the author is. Question the source. Does the \u201cfriend\u201d have a name? Ask yourself why someone has shared the information? A simple check \u2014 perhaps a quick reverse image search \u2014 on where something is from can often reveal inconsistencies in the story, or indeed reveal a particular intention or agenda for that piece of (mis)information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What\u2019s missing?<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
At FactCheckNI, we alway emphasise the power of \u201cthe extra click\u201d \u2014 as it can help spot false information. Open another browser tab. Read around a story or piece of information, and make sure you have the whole story. False information and rumours are often crafted in such a way to provide an incomplete picture of a particular situation or issue, and serve a particular narrative. Ask yourself: what are other people saying? Is there more to it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How does it make you feel? <\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
This third question is potentially the most important. People who create false information or rumours are often trying to manipulate your feelings. They know that if you\u2019re angry or upset you\u2019re more likely to share it, or act on it. In periods of uncertainty (such as with regard to civil protests), false information and rumours thrive on the oxygen of fear. If it\u2019s winding you up, or upsetting you, take some time to check the information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And always THINK. CHECK. SHARE. <\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
FactCheckNI is Northern Ireland\u2019s first and only dedicated independent fact-checking service and a verified signatory<\/a> to the International Fact-Checking Network\u2019s Code of Principles<\/a>. You can learn more about about FactCheckNI<\/a>, our personnel<\/a>, what our article verdicts<\/a> mean, and how to submit a claim<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"A number of leaflets about COVID-19 vaccines and their safety have been circulating in Northern Ireland. FactCheckNI has previously fact checked many of these claims. What is notable is how these leaflets are designed to communicate a lot of information, and more often than not are attributed to a specific group that may not previously…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":21521,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[30,20],"tags":[205,254,238],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
Some suggestions when handling COVID-19 leaflets - FactCheckNI<\/title>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n