Audio explainer: why fact-checking alone isn't enough.

Transcript

Fact‐checking plays an important role in challenging false claims, but it is not enough on its own. When corrections are issued after misinformation has already spread on fast moving social media, they often fail to overcome the deep influence of false narratives. This happens because many people remain swayed by misleading ideas due to natural cognitive biases and strong emotional reactions that make post‐hoc corrections less effective. That is why a layered approach is needed. Combining fact‐checking with proactive measures such as media literacy training, interactive educational programs that teach how to verify sources, and pre‐emptive messages designed to build resistance against manipulation creates a more robust defense against misinformation. In addition, while automated fact‐checking tools can help monitor and flag false claims, human judgment is still essential to understand context and nuance. Together, these layered solutions work to build a healthier information ecosystem and empower citizens to make truly informed decisions.