Strategies for accessing credible information and getting informed correctly

Considering that populism spreads through disinformation, accessing credible information and getting informed correctly becomes vital for navigating today’s world. Some effective strategies for accessing credible information and getting informed correctly include (Nair, 2023):

1. Use trustworthy sources:	When searching for information, it is vital to access and make use of trustworthy sources such as credible news outlets, academic journals, and government websites, since these sources are more likely to provide accurate and reliable information in comparison to social media or unverified websites.
2. Check the source:	Before trusting a source, it’s important to assess its credibility. It is important to find information about the author or organisation behind the source, and to check if they are known for the reliability and credibility of the information they offer.
3. Check the author’s credentials:	When reading articles or posts, it is important to examine the author’s credentials and expertise for ensuring that they are qualified to write on the topic.
4. Verify information:	Before accepting information, it is important to cross-check information from multiple sources since this can help you in identifying inaccuracies and disinformation.
5. Be mindful of your biases:	Make sure to be aware of personal biases and the ways these might affect your interpretation of information. Take steps to challenge your own assumptions and seek out opposing viewpoints.
6. Be wary of confirmation bias:	Confirmation bias is the human tendency to search for information that confirms pre-existing beliefs.
7. Fact-check information:	Fact-checking websites such as FactCheck.org, PolitiFact, and Snopes can help you verify information and identify falsehoods.

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