Learn how to identify fake news about elections

Social networks are marked by a regular and agile dissemination of false informationin a flow that intensifies during the electoral period, which can confuse and mislead voterso, with judgments and opinions formed based on lies.

In addition to several initiatives by media outlets that “unmask” the misinformation that circulates on messaging apps and other media, the Electoral Court itself has the website Fact or Rumorin which the voter can consult the most widespread topicsreferring to the electoral process.

Some of the checks are done in partnership with checking agencies and press vehiclesas day-to-day journalistic work involves verifying information and using data from reliable sources. An example is the rumor that the vote will serve as proof of life for the INSS. The page clarifies that “on election day in 2024, nothing more will be determined or used for any citizen or citizen of any age other than the choice of their representative in the municipal government”.

The TRE initiative also gives voters instructions to identify fake news. Check it out below:

Don’t just read the title – A strategy widely used by creators of fake content on the internet is to create bombastic titles. Reading the full text is a basic step to avoid sharing misinformation. Often, reading the article leads to the conclusion that the facts described do not correspond to the provocative title.
Check the author – It is important to check who the author of the article is. If a reporter signs the text, the website can be held responsible for the quality of the information. Knowing who wrote a certain text is important to give credibility to what is being conveyed.
Recognize the website – Be sure to view the website where the news is. Browsing the site further helps you analyze its credibility.
Observe the text style – Journalistic reports, in general, value good vocabulary and correct use of grammar. In turn, websites with fake news or messages published by WhatsApp tend to have non-standard writing, with Portuguese errors and an exaggerated number of adjectives.
Look at the publication date – Identify when the news was published. Often, the text is simply out of context. There is also news that, although not false, is outdated.
Break out of the social media bubble – To be well informed, voters must read and follow the news – but not just via social media. It is necessary to look for sources and vehicles with a track record of providing information services to the community. This avoids a distorted view of what is happening.
Be wary of some buzzwords – It is common for fake news to begin with some mention of a ban or boycott of some information in the press and the rest of the internet. Requests for speedy sharing are also common and aim to prevent people from reflecting on what they read, acting on impulse. Cultivate the habit of reflecting before sharing.