Can you believe that in just a few weeks, we will have an early Provincial Election on February 27, 2025? The election was supposed to happen on June 2, 2026, but Premier Ford decided to hold it earlier.
Because the election is coming up so quickly, political parties are working hard to get votes. During election season, we hear a lot of information, but not all of it is true. With the rise of social media and different opinions, it can be hard to know what is real and what isn’t. Here are some tips to help you spot false information.
What's the difference between Misinformation and Disinformation?
- Disinformation is false information that is made up on purpose to mislead people and cause harm.
- Misinformation is also false, but the people sharing it don’t realize it’s wrong. For example, a family friend might forward an article that they think is true, but it’s not.
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Check Your Sources
Before you believe or share anything about the election, make sure the information comes from a trusted source. Look for news from reliable places like CBC News, The Globe and Mail, CTV News, and others. If your usual sources aren’t on this list, that doesn’t mean they’re bad. Just check a few different news sites to make sure the facts match.
It’s also important to check if the article is written by a real journalist, not just a blogger or random person. News sites usually show who wrote the article and give details about the writer.
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Be Careful with New Websites
If you come across a website you don’t know, ask yourself these questions:
- Does it have an “About Us” page?
- Does it list a physical address at the bottom of the page?
- Is the website full of ads or pop-ups? A trustworthy news site shouldn’t be crowded with ads.
A legit news website should have an “About Us” page and a physical address associated with it as well. The website should not be overwhelmed with ads and pop-ups.
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Watch Out for Social Media Posts
Social media can be full of untrue claims. Many posts are made to push a certain idea or agenda, and some may even be paid for by political parties. Look for signs of misinformation, like posts that don’t include trustworthy sources or ones with shocking headlines. If you’re unsure, do some research before you believe or share the post.
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Check the Context
Sometimes, information is taken out of context, which can change its meaning. Always check the date, who wrote it, and the full story before you trust it. Just because a video has gone viral doesn’t mean it’s the most up-to-date information.
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Be Careful of Emotional Posts
We’re more likely to believe a story that agrees with what we already think. While that might seem obvious, many people are tricked by fake stories because they play on our feelings. Always check other reliable sources to make sure a story is true before you share it.
The infographic below is from IFLA – International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions.
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