Apple should turn off that “screen time” notification for a season. Just saying.
I’ve spent more time in the last week researching the validity of information in YouTube videos and FB posts from friends than I have giggling over silly dog videos and quarantine memes. Some of y’all are really, really bad at fact-checking. I love you anyway, but for heaven’s sake, please don’t hit “share” without doing a simple search to vet the source and see if, perhaps, there are some questions raised about what you’re posting. It’s the online equivalent of hand hygiene and social distancing. It’s easy to get snared, too, by failing to check dates, names, and consider any possible agenda of the source.
If you question whether something is factual or not, apply the SIFT method:
S = STOP! Before you read the article or watch the video…
I = Investigate the source. Look up the credentials and credibility of the source.
F = Find the original source and confirm facts and context.
T = Trusted sources. See if the same information has been presented by credible, trustworthy sources.
Getting accurate, up-to-date information to everyone in our county has taken on a new level of importance during this pandemic. We like to assume everyone we know is “on the Facebook” or uses email or has online access. Even in our county with our amazing broadband, that’s not the case. This crisis has alerted a lot of people those assumptions are untrue. Television news isn’t local, and we don’t have local radio. Because information is our business, we’re looking at ways we can expand our reach. If you have ideas, let us know.
Lastly, a huge thank you to all of you who have renewed subscriptions, started new subscriptions, sent financial support, and placed ads or set up ad contracts. We appreciate you.
Stay safe. Stay healthy. Take care of yourselves and take care of each other. Now, go order some takeout!
By Niki Turner | [email protected]
