Daily Maverick

R eyes and ears in the world

Ng in the world around you, but That’s why there are journalist­s ure you can stay informed

- How to know what’s true?

What’s the difference?

How do journalist­s and content creators differ? Well, it’s all about their goals and how they do their work.

Journalist­s aim to inform and educate people about what’s happening in the world. They are guided by certain rules and ethics to make sure their stories are fair and accurate. They talk to experts, check their facts, and make sure to present different points of view.

Most content creators, on the other hand, aim to entertain and inspire. They may share their opinions and ideas, but they don’t always follow the same strict rules as journalist­s. While they might research their topics, their main focus is on creating engaging content that you will enjoy watching or reading. It’s important to remember that while some content creators create entertaini­ng content, others create content that might not be true.

How can you tell if something you see or hear is true? Whether it’s news from a journalist or a video from a content creator, knowing how to verify informatio­n is essential. Here is how you can do that:

1. Check the source. Look at where the informatio­n is coming from. Is it a reputable news organisati­on or a wellknown content creator? Be cautious of sources that you are not familiar with.

2. Look for multiple sources.

If you hear something, try to find out whether other sources are reporting the same thing. If only one source is saying something, it might not be reliable.

3. Fact check. Take a moment to fact check what you see or hear. Are there any details that seem `off’? Look for evidence or quotes from experts to support the informatio­n.

4. Consider the tone. Pay attention to how the informatio­n is presented. Is it unbiased and based on facts, or does it seem sensationa­lised or exaggerate­d?

5. Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right or seems too good to be true, it’s okay to question it.

Remember, being a smart consumer of informatio­n means taking the time to verify what you see and hear. Whether it’s from a journalist or a content creator, always seek the truth.

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