NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — We know as you're making up your mind on who to vote for in this contentious political season, we all have a lot of information to sort through.
Let's be honest: sometimes what we find online can be a little confusing, and we all want to make sure the information we look at is accurate.
The good news: you don't need to be a journalist to do that.
But we found something that might surprise you; a study done this year by the University of Central Florida says people who did online fact-checking on a story they read were more likely to believe a story was true — even if the story was actually false.
Curious how that can happen? Check out the video above, using President Biden's press conference this week as an example.
The reason stems from looking up information on search engines like Google, using certain keywords that are part of the false information itself, which simply populates more examples of the false information in the results. The study says seeing those articles may lead someone to conclude a statement is real, even when it's not.
Instead of just looking at a number of articles online, a study from the University of Central Florida said it's important to vet news sources by Googling those sources, too.
We get it: this can take time, and nobody wants to be fooled into thinking something is true when it really isn't.
The study says looking for news outlets you already know and trust, like us here at NewsChannel 5, may be your best bet to ensure what you're reading is real.
It’s a sad reality that area animal shelters and non-profit rescue organizations face constant overcrowding -- with so many dogs, cats and other animals waiting for a forever home. Jason Lamb reports here that Metro leaders are working with those groups – including Critter Cavalry – to find solutions. I’ve fostered a dog from Critter Cavalry, so I understand the need is great. And I found my pup Domino through another local group, Proverbs Animal Rescue. Ultimately, it starts with all of us. Getting more dogs and cats spayed or neutered can help control the pet population – and ease the burden.
-Rhori Johnston
