Fact-Checking Misinformation
Misinformation frequently floats across the internet and social media, and it’s vital to learn how to fact-check information. In this blog, I will discuss fact-checking with the example of misinformation and the help of three news companies: Reuter, NBC News Center Maine, and USA Today.
In early January of this year, there were claims on X (formerly known as Twitter) and Facebook that Starbucks rebranded its name as Vista Coffee because of the Boycott Starbucks movement. These posts displayed photos of a Dublin Airport coffee shop displaying Starbucks menu signage:
Screenshot of BradfordBoycott’s Facebook post
Screenshot of Humaira Mirza’s X post
Reuter fact-checked this information by cross-referencing the social media posts against direct sources to Starbucks, Dublin Airport, and the owner of Vista Coffee, KSG Catering. Throughout this process, they checked for reach, other sources referencing the claims or speaking about the issue, and looked for evidence.
They contacted a Starbucks spokesman, and through email, they confirmed that they did not rebrand and that their outlet lease expired on December 31, 2023. Reuter then spoke to Dublin Airport’s spokesman, who confirmed Starbucks expired lease and also mentioned that KSG Catering made a deal with SSP, the company franchising Starbucks, that they could use Starbucks fixtures and sell their products.
Screenshot of Dublin Airport’s X Post clearing up confusion
NBC News Center Maine underwent the same procedures as Reuter, creating a credible broadcast. NBC’s affiliated Verify journalist, Ariane Datil, said that they contacted Starbucks as well as Dublin Airport’s Media Relations Manager, Graeme McQueen, who confirmed that Vista Coffee is not Starbucks and that they were allowed to use and sell their products because of the deal between SSP and KSG Catering. Datil also referenced another source of the false claim from Instagram.
USA Today’s reporter, Nate Trela, brought another credible insight by analyzing the issue. He checked out the sources behind the false claims, contacted Jaci Anderson, Director and Corporate Reputation of Starbucks, and referenced Dublin Airport’s website. Trela discovered additional information: the users behind the social media posts were advocates for Boycott Starbucks, pushing misinformation.
As long as consumers follow these examples above, they will not fall victim to false information. Check the sources behind the claims. Find out what could be the reason behind the claim. Discover the direct sources that would know the truth and cross reference. Consumers should always ask themselves if the sources are credible and are trying to evoke strong emotions from the viewer.