When I came across this book in a bookshop, it was only after receiving a text message from Elaine asking where I was and whether I’d be coming home any time soon that I managed to put it down. It was around the time that I’d attended a conference on fake news — in fact, it might even have been the same day. Anyway, I decided that this would be a great book to review for my newsletter, Digital Education, and the ICT and Computing in Education website.
This article is just a quick heads-up. The book arrived 10 minutes ago at the time of writing, so I’m not in a position to give an in-depth opinion. However, what I’ve read so far is quite shocking, even though probably obvious once it’s been pointed out.
For example, an article stating ‘… according to sources…’ sounds like it carries some authority. But the ‘sources’ could be the writer’s neighbour or just himself!
There are also interesting sections on blogs, and reporter services. I’ve actually thought of using one or two of those, but I’m somewhat put off now I have to say. And that’s especially the case since I’ve been given a clean bill of health by Newsguard. I’ll be reviewing them in Digital Education, and include more details about the review of this website, but here’s the gist: They have a team of journalists (people, not bots) who review websites according to 9 criteria. If you install the Newsguard extension to your browser, then any site they’ve evaluated will show up in a particular colour. A site that meets their criteria will show up as a green shield, like the green shield displayed in this toolbar:
Newsguard toolbar shield by Terry Freedman
And here’s their summary of their report on my website:
Newsguard summary, by Terry Freedman
The relevance of this, of course, is that had I inadvertently used a dodgy service I’d not be worthy of such a report.
Anyway, I’ll be writing about fake news soon in Digital Education. So, subscribe if you don’t want to miss that. Here’s the link again: Digital Education.
If you’re interested in buying Trust Me, I’m Lying, click on that link to be taken to the Amazon UK website. Please note that this is an Amazon affiliate link. You won’t pay any more for the book, but I will earn a few pennies that will help me put food on the table for a wife and seven children. (They’re not mine, but we’re very close!)
(Er, that bit about seven kids was fake news by the way!)
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