Tips for Fact-Checking Information

A writer recently asked if we had any go-to tools for sourcing credible studies and reports. While there’s no magic bullet (yet), we do have some trusted methods that I’m always happy to share. And yeah, I am *happy* to spill our secrets here. 😏 Because if you’ve ever been personally victimized by a stat round-up citing a “study” of 14 people on their email list from 2004 🙋 -- you get it. Let’s raise the standards, people. Here are 7 underrated ways to find credible research. 🧠 1. Google Scholar (but smarter) Use "site:.gov" or "site:.edu" with keywords like “report” or “survey.” You’ll find reliable government and academic data. 🏛️ 2. Skip the aggregators like Statista and go straight to the source. Check out: --Analyst firms (Gartner, McKinsey, etc.) --Public databases (OECD, World Bank) --Industry orgs (IAB, Content Marketing Institute) Their site search bars and newsletter archives are your friends. Exec summaries often have what you need. 🗂️ 3. Search by filetype Try: --"your topic" filetype:pdf for whitepapers, reports --"your topic" filetype:ppt for internal decks and analyst presentations that somehow ended up online 👀[this happens more than you’d think] 🎤 4. Conference decks = new stat ‘goldmines’ Recent event decks (e.g. from MozCon, SaaStr, BrightonSEO, etc.) often contain recent data. Google "[event name] + site:slideshare.net" or “[event] deck” to hunt them down. 👀 5. LinkedIn > Google (sometimes) Subject-matter experts love sharing fresh benchmarks and survey results. Try searching: --"[your topic]" and "%" --"[your topic]" and "survey" Bonus move: Ask in the comments for the full report. People sometimes reply. 🧵 6. Reddit & niche communities r/marketing, r/dataisbeautiful, Indie Hackers… these are full of people casually dropping data treasure. Use: site:reddit.com “your topic” data or report or study 📩 7. Ask directly If someone mentions “internal research” or “according to our data”... just ask. I've DM’d people before and walked away with better sources than any roundup black hole could give me. — With a little digging, you can find research that adds real credibility (and freshness) to your content. Got a favourite research rabbit hole I missed? Share it below!

As a first-time founder, here’s one lesson that hit me fast: Bad information is more dangerous than no information. In startup world, you move fast and make calls with limited data. But in a landscape full of AI noise, biased takes, and polished BS, even knowing what’s real is a challenge. I've always questioned the narrative—but now, building a company, the cost of trusting the wrong “truth” is way higher. So, we've developed systems to cut through the noise. Here are three simple but powerful frameworks I've learned over the years that I lean on constantly: 🔍 CRAAP Test - From the academic world, but still gold: Currency – Is this info actually up to date? (Especially in tech, yesterday’s truth is today’s myth.) Relevance – Does it apply to my situation, or just sound good? Authority – Who’s saying it? Have they done it, or are they just loud? Accuracy – Can I fact-check this or cross-reference it? Purpose – Is there an agenda, a sale, or a spin? 🧐 RAVEN Method - A credibility gut-check: Reputation – Does this person/source have a track record of being right? Ability to Observe – Are they speaking from experience or just quoting others? Vested Interest – What do they gain from me believing this? Expertise – Are they qualified in this space, or just internet famous? Neutrality – Are they showing multiple sides or pushing one narrative? 🕵️ SIFT - The quick digital sanity check: Stop – Before reacting or sharing, take a breath. Investigate the source – Who created this and why? Find better coverage – Do other trusted sources say the same? Trace claims back – Can you find the original data or context? Startups already have enough risk. No need to add “believed the wrong blog post” to the list. Fellow founders: how do you separate signal from noise? Would love to hear what’s working for you. Drop it below 👇

Misinformation isn’t just about false facts—it’s also about misleading ones. Even if a fact is 100% true, it can still be unreliable: ⚠️ A single anecdote can be paraded as proof. ⚠️ An exception can be framed as the rule. ⚠️ A correlation can be mistaken for causation. In May Contain Lies, I explain how we can protect ourselves from misinformation. Here's how: 🧠 Step 1: Recognize That You Already Have the Tools We don’t need a PhD in statistics to think critically. Whenever a study is posted on LinkedIn that people don't like, there's no shortage of comments on why correlation is not causation, or why the example may be cherry-picked. The real challenge? Ensuring we use the same discernment for a study we do like as for one we don't. 🔍 Step 2: Beware of Confirmation Bias We latch onto whatever interpretation of the facts confirms our view of the world. Take breastfeeding and IQ: 🍼 Studies show that breastfed babies often have higher IQs later in life. 🔬 One interpretation? Breastfeeding causes higher IQ. This makes sense: breastmilk is natural; formula is a UPF. 🤔 A more critical perspective? Family support might be the real factor—since breastfeeding is easier with strong family backing. ⚫⚪ Step 3: Avoid Black-and-White Thinking The world isn’t split into “always good” or “always bad.” 🥑 Fat sounds bad—because it’s called "fat." 💪 Protein sounds good—because it “builds muscle.” 🍞 Carbs? Neutral. But diets like Atkins claimed they were the enemy. 🔹 Reality? Science suggests that carbs are healthy when they make up 30–50% of daily calories. 🔹 But tracking exact percentages is tough—so simple rules gain traction, even when they’re scientifically weak. With black-and-white thinking, to sell an idea, you don’t need to be right. You just need to be extreme. ♻️ Step 4: Flip the Narrative If a claim supports your beliefs, imagine the opposite claim instead. Example: 🔴 If a study said breastfeeding lowers IQ, how would you try to debunk it? You'd appeal to alternative explanations: perhaps poorer families breastfeed (as they can't afford formula), and it's poverty not breastfeeding that causes the lower IQ. 🟢 Now ask if the same alternative explanation applies even though the results are in the direction you want. Might family background explain why breastfed babies have higher IQ? In short, challenge the evidence—not just the conclusion. 🤔 Step 5: Embrace Healthy Skepticism Questioning flawed research isn’t just intellectual nitpicking—it’s freedom. ✅ Parents can make feeding choices without guilt. ✅ People can eat carbs without fear-based restrictions. ✅ We all gain the confidence to navigate the world with clarity. We won't get it right 100% of the time—and in the book I explain many times I got it wrong. But the goal is not to be perfect, only better.

Article from NY Times: More than two years after ChatGPT's introduction, organizations and individuals are using AI systems for an increasingly wide range of tasks. However, ensuring these systems provide accurate information remains an unsolved challenge. Surprisingly, the newest and most powerful "reasoning systems" from companies like OpenAI, Google, and Chinese startup DeepSeek are generating more errors rather than fewer. While their mathematical abilities have improved, their factual reliability has declined, with hallucination rates higher in certain tests. The root of this problem lies in how modern AI systems function. They learn by analyzing enormous amounts of digital data and use mathematical probabilities to predict the best response, rather than following strict human-defined rules about truth. As Amr Awadallah, CEO of Vectara and former Google executive, explained: "Despite our best efforts, they will always hallucinate. That will never go away." This persistent limitation raises concerns about reliability as these systems become increasingly integrated into business operations and everyday tasks. 6 Practical Tips for Ensuring AI Accuracy 1) Always cross-check every key fact, name, number, quote, and date from AI-generated content against multiple reliable sources before accepting it as true. 2) Be skeptical of implausible claims and consider switching tools if an AI consistently produces outlandish or suspicious information. 3) Use specialized fact-checking tools to efficiently verify claims without having to conduct extensive research yourself. 4) Consult subject matter experts for specialized topics where AI may lack nuanced understanding, especially in fields like medicine, law, or engineering. 5) Remember that AI tools cannot really distinguish truth from fiction and rely on training data that may be outdated or contain inaccuracies. 6)Always perform a final human review of AI-generated content to catch spelling errors, confusing wording, and any remaining factual inaccuracies. https://lnkd.in/gqrXWtQZ

A lesson for me and maybe for you. 👇 In cybersecurity we talk a lot about zero trust — but what we don’t talk enough about is about applying that mindset to information itself. Recently, I got caught out. Not by malware. Not by a phishing email. But by information that looked credible, and was shared by a trusted cybersecurity source. Sadly, it turned out to be inaccurate and misinformed. I don’t blame this person. As I said, it was a timely reminder to do better and to understand that: ✅ Trust is not a substitute for verification ✅ Cognitive bias affects all of us — even those trained to detect deception ✅ We all need to slow down and check. So, here’s my curated list of tools and resources to help spot misinformation, scams, and dodgy websites. I highly recommend taking a look — and please feel free to add others you trust in the comments. I’ll be checking them out! 😆 A course in how to find reliable info online: https://lnkd.in/e4rG8sfb Fact checker tools: https://www.factcheck.org/ https://lnkd.in/eUKBcRB6 StopagandaPlus (browser extension) https://lnkd.in/eJui5ijZ Tools like Full Fact, ClaimBuster, and Chequeado are at the forefront of automated fact checking. They cross-reference claims against databases of verified information, flagging potential falsehoods in near real time. However, they’re not infallible. These systems struggle with context, nuance, and rapidly evolving situations. They’re best used as a first line of defence, not as the final arbiter of truth. Check a website & find out how likely it is to be legitimate. Just put the url in and it will tell you: https://lnkd.in/eDSjP3S7 Ask Silver to check to see if a message is a scam. Upload a screenshot on WhatsApp and it will tell you & report it to the right authorities : https://lnkd.in/evG545Nn Virus Total (similar to check a website) https://lnkd.in/eYyhWMNU Can you detect these deepfakes? https://lnkd.in/ejf2c95U https://lnkd.in/e5etYRET ⸻ No matter how experienced you are, never let trust replace due diligence. Disinformation (fake news, deliberate spreading usually for a political agenda) and misinformation (mistake/ misinformed) are rife and scaling thanks to AI. Even the most well-intentioned sources can get it wrong. Stay curious, stay cautious, and keep learning. Got more tools or techniques you use to verify info? Share them below — let’s build better digital habits together. 💬👇 #CyberSecurity #Misinformation #MediaLiteracy #FactChecking #DigitalHygiene #CriticalThinking #ZeroTrust #Scams #OnlineSafety

Navigating the Maze of Truth In a world where alternative facts often muddy the waters of truth, how can individuals and communities stay resilient and well-prepared for the challenges they face? As misinformation spreads and reliable news sources are sometimes overshadowed by sensationalism, maintaining resilience becomes not just a matter of personal vigilance but a collective responsibility. 1. Develop Critical Thinking Skills - In an era where alternative facts can easily infiltrate public discourse, honing critical thinking skills is essential. This means questioning the credibility of sources, cross-referencing information with multiple reputable outlets, and analyzing the motives behind the information being presented. Encourage a mindset that doesn’t just accept information at face value but actively seeks verification. 2. Prioritize Media Literacy - Educate yourself and others about media literacy. Understanding how media works, recognizing bias, and differentiating between fact-based journalism and opinion pieces are crucial skills. Schools, workplaces, and community organizations should incorporate media literacy training to empower individuals to navigate complex information landscapes effectively. 3. Seek Out Reliable Sources - Identify and rely on reputable news sources that adhere to strict journalistic standards. These sources prioritize accuracy, fairness, and transparency. Create a diverse media diet by following established institutions and experts in relevant fields. Avoid echo chambers by engaging with a variety of perspectives while focusing on sources known for their reliability. 4. Verify Information Before Sharing - Before sharing information on social media or within your community, take a moment to verify its authenticity. Use fact-checking websites and tools to confirm details and debunk myths. By being a responsible consumer and sharer of information, you contribute to reducing the spread of misinformation and helping others stay informed. 5. Advocate for Transparency and Accountability - Support and advocate for transparency and accountability in media and information sources. Encourage media outlets and public figures to adhere to high standards of accuracy and honesty. Demand accountability from those who spread misinformation and promote a culture of truthfulness in public discourse. Our collective resilience depends on our ability to discern truth from fiction. Equip yourself with the tools to critically evaluate information and promote media literacy in your community. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and together, let’s build a more resilient and informed society. #StayResilient #CriticalThinking #MediaLiteracy #VerifyBeforeYouShare #TruthMatters

Can you guess the world’s top short-term risk in 2025 according to the World Economic Forum? Misinformation. Social media is overtaking traditional news channels. Generative AI is flooding our feeds. Fake news is everywhere. It´s increasingly hard for anyone to distinguish fact from fiction. I firmly believe our best defense against misinformation is a scientific mindset—skepticism, evidence, and humility. Science is more than a body of knowledge—it’s a way of thinking and an essential foundation for a resilient, informed, and free society. But you don´t need to be a scientist to think clearly, question boldly, and stay grounded in truth. If you want to practice your critical thinking skills, here are some truth-seeking tips. They´re inspired by Carl Sagan’s “baloney detection kit” published 30-years ago in his prophetic book The Demon Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark. 1. Verify Independently: Truth isn’t truth until it’s confirmed. Always look for independent evidence before accepting a claim. 2. Welcome Debate: If an idea can’t survive open discussion, it probably shouldn’t. Truth thrives on challenge. 3. Question Authority: Experts matter—but evidence matters more. Don’t accept claims just because someone “important” said so. 4. Consider Alternatives: Always ask: What else could explain this? The best thinkers explore multiple possibilities. 5. Occam’s Razor: The simplest explanation that fits the facts is usually best. 6. Let Go of Bad Ideas: If the facts change, so should your mind. Clinging to a disproven belief is not strength—it’s bias. 7. Use Numbers: Quantifying helps clarify. Vague claims are harder to validate—data brings precision. 8. Ask: Can It Be Tested? If a claim can’t be proven wrong, it can’t be proven right. Testability is the heart of science. Save or bookmark these tips — they’re timeless tools for clear thinking. #Misinformation #CriticalThinking #ScienceMindset #Leadership #AIethics

If you are sure you are right about everything, please pause. If you think anyone who disagrees is an idiot, pause again. That feeling is not random. That is exactly what the algorithms want you to think. Bad information hurts people. It can wreck trust, strain families, and sway votes. It can raise fear and make us care less. None of us are immune. It often feels like we live in different worlds online. In a way, we do. We get fed different facts, different stories, and different villains. That is not a bug. On the Internet - outrage is a big money-maker. The feed wants your time, not the truth. You should care because your choices ride on what you believe. Bad information leads to bad decisions. Your voice travels farther than you think. Friends see what you post. Your name sits beside it. Trust is earned over time, but it's lost much more quickly. Start with your own feeds. Before you share anything, open a few new tabs. See how different news and information outlets cover the same claim. If only one side has it, slow down. Ask yourself who gains if you post it. Check where you get your news. Write down your usual five spots. Do they all agree with you most days. If so, add two credible sources that challenge you. You do not need fringe sites. You need solid media sources that see the world differently. Use simple tools to help you. Sites like Ground News and AllSides show left, center, and right. NewsGuard gives quick site ratings. A reverse image search can spot fake photos. FactCheck.org, Snopes, and PolitiFact will test bold claims. Watch your emotions while you scroll. If a post makes you furious, that is your cue to pause. Strong feelings are the bait. Take sixty seconds to verify before you share. Check the source. Look for a second source. Ask who benefits from your belief. Also, try the hard thing. Talk with someone who voted differently from you. Not to argue. But to understand. You will likely learn they are not the monster your feed described. They are just people trying to get by, just like you. Show your work when you can. Try - 'I saw this claim, checked three sources, and here is what I found.' Own being wrong. Post a clear correction. Praise people who bring facts, not just agreement. Call out clear falsehoods, even when they help your side. This is not about being smarter. Smart people fall for this when it strokes their bias. This is about better habits AND humility. We can't fix every feed or stop all of the 'fake news'. We can refuse to be pawns. Choose truth over likes. Choose understanding over outrage. Choose complex truth and nuance over easy interpretations. The people who want to influence you are counting on you being lazy, tribal, and certain. Don't give it to them. So here is the challenge - pick one habit you'll shift this week. What one solid source will you add that challenges you? Tell me in the comments so we can compare notes. We have got to save ourselves. And each other.

Here’s a question: Are AI Answers the Truth? How Can We Be Sure? Yesterday, when I had a question, I’d turn to Google, get hundreds of results, read multiple sources, and form my own conclusion. Today, with AI-powered search and chatbots, I often get just one answer—positioned as the truth. But how can we, as users, ensure that the information AI provides is actually accurate and not made up? Here are a few key steps: ✅ Cross-check with multiple sources – Don’t rely on just one AI-generated response. Compare it with reputable sources and expert opinions. ✅ Ask for sources and counterarguments – Challenge AI by asking “What are alternative perspectives?” or “How do you know this?” ✅ Be aware of bias – AI is trained on human knowledge, which means it can inherit biases. Always consider different viewpoints. ✅ Use different AI systems – Compare responses from ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Perplexity, and others to spot inconsistencies. ✅ Stay informed about AI limitations – AI can make mistakes, misinterpret data, or lack real-time updates. Treat it as a tool, not an absolute authority. AI is powerful, but critical thinking 💡 is today even more essential. Instead of passively consuming AI-generated answers, we need to actively verify, question, and analyze the information we receive. What are your thoughts? How do you ensure the information AI provides is accurate? Let’s discuss! #AI #FutureOfSearch #search #truth AI Image credit Bored Panda

You may have seen this video of a woman shooing away two ICE agents with a bat go viral. It's fake, an AI-generated video. Here's how you can tell and how to fact-check similar content: The best way to verify the source: Do lateral reading & reverse image searches. Are credible news outlets reporting this? Does it trace back to a legitimate source? When/where was it originally posted? In this case—no verified sources confirm it and all image searches go back to social media posts. You can also spot visual clues: notice how the officers move awkwardly and background children barely move. Lighting might seem off or hair too perfect. While there are oddities to look for, AI is always evolving, so again, the best practice is to verify the source. When in doubt, ask: Who shared this? What's their source? Is there any verifiable context? If you can't find credible sources confirming it, treat it with significant skepticism!