Google tag approach a great idea

Efforts should help users see what’s fake news, what’s not

Google is taking a great step toward helping users decide the difference between fake news and real news.

The company announced last week that it will expand the use of “fact check” tags in its search results, according to an Associated Press report.

“People who search for a topic in Google’s main search engine or the Google News section will see a conclusion such as “mostly true” or “false” next to stories that have been fact checked,” AP reports.

Google has worked with more than 100 news outlets and fact-checking groups, AP notes, including PolitiFact and Snopes.com.

And Mental Floss notes, “the fact check window in Google Search won’t be used to censor dubious content. Instead, it’s meant to ensure users are as informed as possible before heading down any internet rabbit holes.”

So essentially, people can continue to post and share whatever they want online — Google Search will just help others determine the truth of said postings.

It’s a terrific option for helping readers determine what’s real and what’s not, and we’re glad to see it is being expanded.

AP notes that Google isn’t alone in its efforts. Facebook also launched a resource last week to help users spot fake news and/or misleading information, which appears in the form of a notification.

Google and Facebook may not change one’s mind or shake any preconceived notions people may hold, but it does help people determine what’s real, what’s fake, and what’s misleading, and should help cut through some of the “spin” that has become all too prevalent.

And that’s important. Sometimes, it’s hard for people to separate emotion and opinion from fact. When one enters a situation with a preconceived notion, it can be hard to sway that individual into seeing other options or possibilities.

But when information is available right away, pointing out whether a statement is fact, fiction, or a hybrid of the two, it lessens the chances of misinformation continuing in the public eye.

Sometimes, it also helps to point out whether something is fact or opinion. “This couch is blue” might be a fact, whereas “We love blue couches!” is opinion.

Google and Facebook are trusted resources, and they are taking steps that have long been needed. Their efforts should have a significant impact in helping readers sort through the landmines of information that exist on the internet today.