The fake news that is spread over the internet continues to increase, and is particularly harmful in areas such as nutrition and health. From PromoFarma they have drawn up a decalogue to know how to identify skittles and be able to avoid them.
Photo provided by PromoFarma
We live surrounded by information, where the internet is the main source for many consumers worldwide, especially in the younger generations.
In this way, we are increasingly exposed to the consumption of news with fake content.
The increasing appearance of certain figures on the networks such as the “citizen journalist”, where citizens themselves become informants, and of influencersthey have only led to an increase in the known fake news.
According to data released by extrathe percentage of the population that consumed fake news in the world in 2022 was from 71%and the percentage of people who were concerned about the use of false information as a weapon in the world, reached the 76%social networks being the least reliable means of communication worldwide.
Health and nutrition content on the internet: Pay attention to these 10 things
Although the 64% of citizens of the European Union feel quite confident about their ability to recognize disinformation, it does not hurt to be aware of the large amount of fake news that circulate, as they are increasingly common.
the fake news they are present in practically all sectors, but they are particularly harmful in areas such as nutrition, health, cosmetics and self-care.
For this reason, Mar Santamaria, head of Pharmaceutical Care at PromoFarma by DocMorrisproposes a decalogue of questions that you should ask yourself to avoid the scams that circulate on the internet and social networks.
Since “before a news or information about health and nutrition it is very easy to fall into the trap of bulls or fake news“, affirms Mar Santamaria.
1. Do I have to take everything I read for granted?
Not everything that circulates on the internet is true. So, analyze the information and compare it with others before giving it as valid.
2. Is this information relevant to me?
Be selective with the content you consume. Many times social networks “stick” us to certain contents that are not actually useful for us.
According to the expert, “disengaging” is not easy due to the fear of missing something in the context of the networks, but think about it, and if it’s empty content for you, don’t hesitate and pass it by.
3. Can I identify the source of the information?
This is one of the most important aspects, since if the sender of the message is not syndicated, he must transmit a certain amount of mistrust.
4. How credible is the source or sender of the message?
If it is mentioned where or by whom the information is given, the next thing we should look at are their credentials, according to the head of PromoFarma.
Is he a professional with a known or traceable track record? Is it a company? What reputation does it have? Is the corporate website in question accredited and/or has content supervised by experts?
5. On which channel am I reading or viewing it?
An Instagram “meme” is not the same as an article in a prestigious magazine.
In social networks there is a lot of “impact and rapid consumption” content, which is directly proportional to “low-contrast” content, so we must pay attention to consolidated media.
6. Is the headline alarming or excessively categorical?
“If you see information that creates a great sense of alarm or is presented as an indisputable revelation, run away. Not everything is worth a click”, he points out.
7. Does the information raise other alternative opinions?
If the information that is released leaves the door open to other evidence or admits its own limitations, then we are on the right track.
“It is necessary to avoid rigid and immovable positions, because they are the most dangerous”, points out Mar Santamaria.
8. Are references given to check the information?
If links are provided to websites of reference institutions in the health or food field (or articles or scientific publications), we can look at the content, a priori, with good eyes.
9. Can I compare it with a reference professional?
“Health professionals are always ready to review and explain anything that causes concern,” he clarifies.
10. Do I need to use a bug finder tool?
The specialist mentions that there are numerous initiatives such as links, Apps and resources created by expert professionals in order to “hunt” bulls.
Point to the web Nutrimedia in the field of nutrition, and the program VaccineCheck from Official Council of Colleges of Pharmacists and the EFE Agencywhich denies fake news about vaccines
An extra tip!
If in the end you come to the conclusion that you are being tricked or have doubts, avoid sharing the content!
Bulls spread very quickly, so if you don’t share, you help reduce the infoxication.