Live

The initiation came years ago by the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN), and now the day serves as a reminder of the collective media responsibility to highlight truth in an era where misinformation spreads rapidly.

In a world overwhelmed by the high intensity of information flows, and many times with misinformation, fact-checkers play a crucial role in separating truth from lie. From debunking viral social media hoaxes to keeping public figures accountable, fact-checkers’ work strengthens democratic societies by ensuring that important decisions are based on facts, not fiction.

Supporting facts isn’t just a job for professionals and journalists, it’s a common responsibility we all share. Whether sharing news online or engaging in public debates, individuals should always prioritize credible sources and critical thinking. On how to do it we have created some interactive courses on this platform.

The recent rise of AI-generated content, deep fakes, and manipulating media has made fact-checking more challenging, and more necessary than ever. False claims about elections (like European elites responsible for Le Pen political sentencing), public health (like viruses and spores of Ebola or COVID), and different political (like the US and the EU have spent millions of dollars to destroy traditional values in Moldova) and conflict situations (from the war in Ukraine to the confrontations in the South Caucasus) can have real-world consequences, eroding trust in institutions and fueling division. Especially in Europe, where unity is so diverse and sometimes fragile.

According to the EU data 71% of European citizens encounter misinformation several times monthly, with social media being the primary vector. Fact-checking organizations, such as dpa (Germany), AFP Factuel (France), Maldita (Spain), and Demagog (Poland), work tirelessly to counter this trend, but they need public support.

We at PulseZ are sure that everyone can help in this fight and encourage especially young people to adopt simple habits to combat misinformation following some simple steps:

  • Verify before sharing: Check the source and cross-reference with reputable outlets.
  • Look for other fact-checks: websites like TinEye, Snopes and Google’s Fact Check Explorer can confirm or debunk claims.
  • Question emotional headlines: Misinformation often exploits strong emotions to spread faster.
  • Support fact-checking initiatives: feel free to donate to or promote organizations dedicated to truth in journalism in your country.

International Fact-Checking Day isn’t just about awareness, but it’s more about our actions. This year, fact-checking organisations are hosting workshops, webinars, and media literacy campaigns to empower citizens. During this month, just in a week the International Festival of Journalism will start in Perugia, Italy. The hashtag #FactsMatter underscores the message that truth should be a daily priority, not just an annual observance.

An informed society is a resilient society. This is not an ambitious saying. On this day, and every day, the fight for facts continues.

For more resources on fact-checking, feel free to take the PulseZ courses (we have plenty materials and tools for you) or follow #FactcheckingDay on social media. Also, in the ending note, keep in mind the quote from a wise editor shared with me, “Also fact-checkers can make mistakes, and it’s good to check them as well. Hence, it’s important for everyone to have critical thinking skills and know fact-checking tools”.

Source of cover picture: Poynter Institute’s IFCN

Written by

Shape the conversation

Do you have anything to add to this story? Any ideas for interviews or angles we should explore? Let us know if you’d like to write a follow-up, a counterpoint, or share a similar story.

Write a counterargument article Write a related article