In today’s episode of Smart Living, I had the pleasure of chatting with Joe Ducey, former investigative reporter at ABC 15 and current spokesperson for the Better Business Bureau. Joe and I go way back, as we were both part of the consumer team on TV, where he helped uncover scams, and I provided money-saving tips. In this podcast, we dive deep into one of the most critical issues we face today: disinformation and how to stay informed in a world filled with misleading information.
The Disinformation Era
Social media algorithms tend to show us only what we want to see, often creating an echo chamber of similar content. This makes it hard to come across different viewpoints, and that’s why stepping outside and talking to people with diverse opinions is essential. However, fact-checking has never been more necessary. From election-related misinformation to rumors about consumer products, Joe emphasizes the importance of critically evaluating the information we consume.
Fact-Checking: A Lifelong Skill
Joe shares his expertise as an investigative reporter, stressing the importance of digging into the facts. Back in his TV days, he would verify every claim through thorough research, checking business licenses, contracts, and other records. Today, the process is even more crucial due to the sheer amount of unverified information floating around, especially with AI-generated content on the rise.
Reliable Sources You Can Trust
One tool Joe swears by is Snopes, a fact-checking website that has been around since the 1990s. It helps debunk myths, from outrageous celebrity rumors to consumer product scams. Additionally, sites like Politifact, Factcheck.org, and various government websites can help you verify political claims and business practices.
When in doubt, Joe recommends sticking to websites ending in “.org” or “.gov” for accurate and unbiased information. He also warns against relying solely on “.com” sites unless you know their credibility.
The Power of Critical Thinking
We both agree that in this day and age, consumers need to be more vigilant than ever. Whether it’s checking out a supplement’s claims or ensuring a contractor is licensed, it’s all about doing your homework. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a fantastic resource for checking out businesses and finding out if they have any unresolved complaints. They never take complaints down, so you get the full picture.
At the end of the day, staying informed boils down to critical thinking. Don’t just accept things at face value—whether it’s a sale price at an outlet store or a rumor online. Do your research and make informed decisions.
If you want to learn more about how to fact-check effectively and avoid scams, listen to this insightful episode with Joe Ducey. You can find him at Joeknowsbetter.com for more consumer protection tips.
