I think it’s safe to say we all have friends and family members with whom we don’t see eye to eye about current events. (I know I’m understating things here.) We feel strongly compelled to confront them about the misinformation they share online. It’s one of the most stressful parts of modern communication, especially with those we care about. However, fixing misinformation doesn't have to lead to a confrontation. According to the guide from Checkology, a project of the News

The media landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation. Once a relatively static environment, it has evolved into a dynamic, constantly shifting ecosystem. Gone are the days of relying solely on morning newspapers or evening broadcasts—that was your grandfather’s world. Today, news is consumed in real time, with alerts flooding smartphones, social media feeds overflowing with updates, and live streams offering immediate access to events as they unfold. This constant infl

The way we communicate has changed more in the last twenty years than in the hundred before it. Writers once crafted sentences for newspapers—longer, denser, more deliberate. You had to earn a reader’s time. Now, communication is instant, fragmented, and often visual. Tweets, texts, and memes dominate, demanding brevity and immediacy. Attention spans have shortened, and the competition for engagement is relentless. Instead of carefully earned time, writers chase clicks, likes

Right now, you might feel completely drained by the news cycle. The relentless stream of alarming headlines, blood pressure-raising stories, and doomscrolling can make you want to pull the plug and tune it all out.  I get it. Sometimes, it feels like disengaging is the only way to preserve your sanity. But here’s the problem: opting out doesn’t protect you — it just leaves you vulnerable. When you stop paying attention, you become less informed. And when you’re less informed,

How did we get here? How did we reach a point in this country – or in our world - where we are flooded with meanness, where civility is now seen as a sign of weakness, and where many people mock kindness? News flash: The decline of “civilized behavior” in the United States—how people treat one another in public, online, and in politics—didn’t happen overnight. It has been a slow erosion shaped by media, technology, and a growing loss of trust. There is no one reason; there ar

In the rapidly changing world of social media, memes have become one of the most powerful ways to share ideas and feelings. They’re short, funny, and easy to understand—perfect for capturing attention in just seconds. But while memes can make us laugh, they can also mislead us. So, here’s something we shouldn't have to say openly: The simple truth is that memes are not reliable news sources. Maybe you have an aunt or uncle who thinks otherwise, but it’s true! Sharing memes wi