Check first. Share after.

What are Trusted and Expert Sources?

A trusted source has a good track record and a clear process for getting facts right, like a reputable news organization.

An expert source, like a recognized scientist or health expert, has knowledge of that specific topic. Being an expert in one area doesn’t make someone an expert in everything. Would you ask a psychiatrist to replace a filling?

Passing along bad information is like passing along the virus itself.

Why does it matter?

With important issues like healthcare, employment and the economy, you may be wondering why your social media habits are so important. Does it really matter if you share something that turns out to be not true?

It does. A lot.

Sharing bad information about health issues may lead others to do things that can cause real harm. People have died from taking things they were told were cures for COVID-19.

Not all incorrect info is dangerous, but it creates clutter and makes it more difficult for the good stuff to get through.

Your health, and the health of those you care about, matters.

What can I trust?

What should I do if I see false info?

Before you decide whether or not to respond to bad information, think about the following:

How dangerous is the info?

All misinformation does harm on some level, but some things - like telling people to take unproven cures or ignore public health advice - is especially dangerous.

Is this person likely to convince their audience?

If they seem to have influence or if they’re someone that others are likely to listen to (politician, celebrity, family member), it’s pretty important for you to push back.

How big is the person’s audience?

It’s not the best idea to draw attention to a false statement that few would see anyway. If their audience is a lot smaller than the audience who would see your reply, you might be better off ignoring it, or telling them in private.

What’s your relationship to the person?

If someone you care about is sharing false info, you probably want to let them know.

Here’s how to do it:

Don’t just call them out for being wrong (that can be a little embarrassing for them). Instead, help them by sharing good information from a reliable source.

Focus on the values you have in common. No one wants to cause harm. Saying, “We all care about keeping people as safe as we can” is a great way to start.

Ask leading questions to show how unlikely the bad info is. “If there really was a cure, why wouldn’t news outlets be covering such big news? If there is some kind of conspiracy, could every government in the world really be part of it?” are the type of questions that can help.

How should you respond to false info? Check out our helpful infographic for tips and suggestions

Why does expert advice change?

Why did the advice change about wearing masks?

If they’re the experts, why are they changing their mind on important information?

Good questions to ask. Look, right now, we’re all seeing science happen in real time. Scientists are learning more about this virus every day. A new discovery today can change what every scientist knew yesterday.

When most experts agree, based on the evidence, that something is true, the scientific consensus changes and public health authorities adapt their advice to reflect it. That doesn’t mean they were wrong before, just that the scientific consensus they were working from has changed.

I want to do a deep dive.

Educators, academics and those who just want to learn more can do it right here.

About the Campaign.

Way to go! You checked to see if we were legit.

(Don’t stop here! You can also check what other reliable sources are saying: search “MediaSmarts” in your browser to find out more about us.)

“Check First. Share After” is a campaign dedicated to stopping the spread of misinformation during COVID-19, created by MediaSmarts in partnership with the University of Alberta’s Health Law Institute with the support of the Government of Canada and media partners including Bell Media, Corus, Facebook, and others.

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