Living in a Post-Truth World

And what to do about it

Nicole KraftAssistant Professor (clinical)

School of Communication The Ohio State University

@nicole_kraft

#OSUtruth

• Does this photograph provide proof that the kind of nuclear disaster caused these aberrations in nature?'

from NPR

Let’s try a Finder’s Guide to Facts

Step 1Think about it

Step 2How outrageous is it?

Step 3Does the headline match the story?

Step 4Are quotes in context?

Step 5Is the story set in the future?

Step 6Does the story attack a

generic enemy?

Step 7Trust but verify

Step 8

Be critical of where news originates.

What to Do Next?

Broaden your palate * Some falsehoods are sincere * If a news source consistently passes the tests in this guide, support it.