International Fact-Checking Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about International Fact-Checking Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. International Fact-Checking Day is celebrated on April 2nd.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of International Fact-Checking Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as captivating facts you need know about International Fact-Checking Day.

📅 What day is International Fact-Checking Day 2024?

In 2024, International Fact-Checking Day is on Sunday, April 2nd. It is the 1st Sunday in April; in 2024, it is Tuesday. There are until the next observance. You also can learn all the fun details and facts about April 2, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

International Fact-Checking Day is celebrated on April 2 to combat disinformation and protect the public from “fake news.” Fact-checkers play a crucial role in verifying facts and preventing journalistic fraud, thus safeguarding a publication’s reputation. Their work not only helps avoid legal issues and defamation claims resulting from inaccurate reporting but also addresses the manipulation of information and media on social media platforms. In many ways, fact-checkers are like modern-day superheroes, providing a valuable public service.

📜 International Fact-Checking Day History

The International Fact-Checking Network (I.F.C.N.) officially sponsors a day called April 2, which follows April Fools’ Day. This day is significant as it symbolizes the contrast between false information and verified facts. Various media organizations come together on this day to contribute to a growing collection of resources that help individuals check facts and educate students and the public on how to identify and prevent the spread of misinformation. Fact-checking, a relatively new concept, emerged less than 100 years ago during a time when sensationalism trumped truth in American journalism for profit. Initially viewed as a feminine occupation, fact-checking gained credibility as a profession in the 1920s with the establishment of “TIME” magazine. Today, the importance of fact-checking has increased significantly due to the prevalence of fake news on social media.

✅ International Fact-Checking Day Facts

🔖 Compare with other sources
Verifying the facts by relying on reputable media sources that you have confidence in is a wise method.

🔖 Use a fact-checking tool
Google has developed a new tool called Fact Check Explorer, which can assist in carrying out fact-checking tasks.

🔖 Google images for context
You can initiate an image search by simply right-clicking on any image.

👍 Why Is International Fact-Checking Day Important

It is critical to recognize the power of what one reads in the news. To weed out corruption and possibly dangerous misinformation, fact-checking guarantees that we all take responsibility for what we consume and choose to believe.

Because the internet is so vast and there are so many ways for information to be disseminated these days, fact-checking professionals require the public’s assistance and collaboration. The more critical and cautious people become about the information they consume, the easier it will be to prevent the spread of tainted information.

Raise your hand if you no longer purchase the newspaper or watch the nightly news on television. Whatever your motivation (ranging from environmental preservation to avoiding propaganda), exposure to news in some manner via social media is unavoidable. As a result, this day emphasizes the need for properly engaging with news.

🙂 How To Observe International Fact-Checking Day

⚡ Read up on fact-checking
If you’re interested in a book that delves into the world of facts, I recommend getting your hands on “The Lifespan of a Fact” by Jim Fingal and John D’Agata, or “The Fact Checker’s Bible” by Sarah Harrison Smith. These books will provide you with an immersive experience exploring the importance and reliability of facts.

⚡ Run fact-check on your own
Take the first step towards being more aware by using Google’s techniques to fact-check the next news article you encounter on your favorite social media platform.

⚡ Support fact-checking organizations
On the internet, there are numerous groups that offer tools to verify facts publicly. FactCheck.org and PolitiFact.com are just two instances of such groups. Promoting these organizations and increasing their visibility would greatly assist them in their efforts.

📅 When is International Fact-Checking Day?

Explore all 🔗 April holidays, including 🔗 Special Interest and other 🔗 Awareness holidays.

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