As we navigate this perilous time in history, when lies are stated by our highest officials with impunity, when consequences are not forthcoming for crimes, and when new technology emerges that makes it difficult to know what is true and what isn’t, what are the guiding principles you are committing to?
One that I have chosen for myself is this: “I show my sources.” Along with that, especially on social media, I have committed myself to not repost quotes or purported news stories unless I have verified that they are true.
One writer whom I admire for the way she documents all of her sources is Heather Cox Richardson. A scholar of history, she was already accustomed to proving her arguments through reputable sources, and as she became a public writer about current events, she has continued that, posting essentially footnotes below her posts. One example.
Because of that, many people, including me, see her as trustworthy. But it’s not just about her. The more any of us share incorrect information, the more we add to the cynicism of our world, and the feeling that “well, you just can’t know what is true.”
As I put on Facebook last week: “Progressives, I am begging you. Please stop posting ‘news’ unless you yourself have confirmed it came from a verified source.”
Our eyes sweep over headlines, clickbait, and memes, and even if we don’t click on the article, we perhaps take it in, assuming it is true.
One of the most popular fact-checking websites, Snopes.com, keeps a running list of the current top rumors. See if you’ve unconsciously assumed any of these headlines to be true:
Kristi Noem said the Bible was written in English. Link
Pam Bondi said the Epstein files prosecution would cause the whole system to collapse. Link
Liam Ramos was in Bad Bunny’s halftime show. Link
None of these were true.
On social media, here are some particular things to be wary of:
Facebook groups or organizations that sound official: one example of this last week was “Episcopal Faith Leadership” which shared a purported post from Bishop Mariann Budde that began “At 1:44 AM tonight I received a message…” Both the group and the post were AI-Generated Scams.
There are many other Facebook accounts spreading false stories and quotes — too many to count! — and many of them with names that would appeal to progressives. Just because something is posted by a group that sounds progressive doesn’t mean they are a trustworthy source. (One example: Living Blue in Texas.)
I give you warning. I believe this is so damaging to our society, that I’m not going to be silent any longer. Don’t be surprised if you see me write “uncorroborated” in comments on some of those posts.
One of the historic principles of Unitarian Universalism is a commitment to a free and responsible search for truth and meaning. If we repost items without verifying their veracity, we damage our own reputations for credibility and integrity.
Note: In sermons, I try to weave in sources, but a sermon where I spoke aloud the “footnotes” for every detail would be pretty ponderous for anyone listening. But if you ever hear something presented as fact that you question, please ask me about it – I love sharing what I’m reading and studying. And if you have information that calls into question those facts, please let me know!