Emotions drive the spread of false and misleading information — and the results can be disastrous. Programs like the “What Is True?” fact-checking service at the Roy Howard Community Journalism Center can provide clear, fact-based answers.
Misinformation spreads faster than ever. A single post, video or manipulated image can travel across the internet in seconds, reaching thousands — sometimes millions — of people before the truth has a chance to catch up. And the consequences are real. False health advice can lead people to ignore legitimate medical guidance. Fabricated crime reports can cause unnecessary panic. Deceptive rumors can damage reputations, strain relationships and even influence elections.
What makes this problem even more concerning is that most misinformation isn’t spread by bad actors — it’s shared by well-meaning people who genuinely believe what they’re passing along is true. We trust the information we see from friends, family and community members, and that trust makes misinformation even harder to stop. In a world where content is designed to grab attention, it’s easier than ever to be misled.
That’s why the Roy Howard Community Journalism Center launched “What Is True?” — a local initiative that helps people verify questionable claims and develop better habits for navigating today’s media landscape. Whether it’s a viral post, a forwarded message or a story that doesn’t quite add up, our team investigates and provides clear, fact-based answers.
Misinformation spreads so easily because it thrives on emotion. Many false claims are crafted to provoke strong feelings — fear, anger, outrage or even hope. When something sparks a powerful reaction, we’re more likely to share it without stopping to ask: Is this true? Who is behind it? Where’s the evidence? Sensational claims often spread faster than facts because they grab attention in ways that straightforward, accurate reporting sometimes doesn’t. And in today’s digital world, where posts, images and videos circulate in seconds, misinformation can reach a massive audience before anyone has time to fact-check.
This is where we, as a community, can make a difference. While fact-checking services like “What Is True?” play a role in verifying information, stopping misinformation requires all of us to change the way we engage with news and social media. A few simple steps can make all the difference.
Before sharing something, pause and think critically. If a claim seems too shocking, too outrageous or too convenient, take a moment to question it. Check the source. Is it coming from a reputable news outlet, or is it from an unfamiliar website with no clear credibility? Look for supporting evidence — are other reliable sources reporting the same thing? If you’re unsure, reach out to “What Is True?” by calling 601-266-TRUE, emailing [email protected] or visiting rhcjcnews.com/witreq.
Misinformation may spread fast, but truth is stronger when we work together. By slowing down, thinking critically and supporting trustworthy news sources, we can prevent falsehoods from taking hold in our communities. The next time you see a questionable claim, remember — you have the power to stop misinformation before it spreads. And if you need help, we’re here to provide answers.
Joshua Wilson is the community liaison for the Roy Howard Community Journalism Center, which is housed at The University of Southern Mississippi and funded by the Scripps Howard Foundation. Email him at [email protected].