Know Your Facts

As opposed to previous younger generations, you have instant access to a world of information and to a global audience. Keep in mind that to communicate across cultures and to avoid misunderstandings, misinformation, stereotyping and prejudice, it is important to have a basic understanding of other countries and cultures as well as the ability to critically evaluate the content and author of sources. These skills will make you better prepared to deal with the avalanche of information you encounter and more careful about the information you share.

If you want to be convincing, you first need to be sure of the facts you are basing your claim on. One of the reasons for Greta Thunberg’s success is that she is clear and direct in her arguments and backs them up with solid examples and facts. She is known to consult some of the world’s leading scientists to make sure she has understood everything correctly and that her examples are correct.

While most of us do not have access to the world’s leading experts, we do have access to a world of information online. It has never been easier to find information, but the problem is that the internet is full of both facts and fibs, real and fake news. Fake news is deliberate misinformation presented as a credible news story. Knowing who and what to believe can be challenging, but there are some guidelines that can help you navigate online.

SOURCE CHECKLIST Consider the source the site, its purpose and contact info Check the author find out who they are Check the date is it still valid? Check your biases opposed to i motsetning til is something affecting your / i motsetnad til judgment? misinformation unøyaktig informasjon Read beyond prejudice fordommer is it a misleading headline? /fordommar Check supporting sources basic grunnleggende are information and links given /grunnleggjande actually supportive? avalanche skred Check for validity convincing overbevise/overtyde is it too good to be true? claim påstand consult rådføre Ask the experts scientists forskere/forskarar check facts fibs skrøner

Have you or has anyone you know ever shared fake news? Vurderingseksemplar Celebrities are often paid and/or photoshopped to promote products. Double-check facts!