Faster Fact Checking, Part 2: Making Sense of Social Media

Storyful, Geofeedia, and TinEye: Three tools that help journalists quickly make sense of social media

Three resources that help journalists make sense of social media

This is the second in a series about online resources for faster fact checking. Read Part 1 for tools that help journalists make sense of statistics. And make sure to follow up with Part 3 and Part 4.

Social media often gets blamed for inaccurate reporting and spreading misinformation.  Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and other social networks can be helpful, so long as they’re used responsibly.

User-generated content can help the media learn and see news as it unfolds before they’re on the scene. However, just like any public tips that come into a newsroom, tweets and Instagram photos must be verified.

Here are three tools specifically geared toward verifying content on social media:

Storyful

Launched in 2010, Storyful has been heralded as the world’s first social news agency. A global team of technologists and journalists curate social media and video content 24 hours a day – interacting in social media communities to verify what’s out there. CEO Mark Little very aptly refers to Storyful’s process as “The Human Algorithm.”

In turn, Storyful provides social web sources and verified content to newsrooms, working with The New York Times, BBC, ABC, Al Jazeera, and many others.

Storyful’s success recently led to its acquisition by News Corp.

Geofeedia

A popular way to quickly sort through social media is to geographically organize it.

When Al Tompkins wrote on Poynter about his coverage of the Asiana crash, he highlighted Geofeedia’s helpfulness: “One of the most invaluable tools was Geofeedia, which allowed me a draw a circle around the tarmac and airport terminal to find people posting pictures, tweets and Facebook posts. That is where I picked up the most remarkable photo of all so far — the one tweeted out by Samsung executive David Eun.”

The platform uses an algorithm to curate geotagged data from Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Picasa, and Flickr so that it’s easier for public safety officials and the media to filter it in one place.

In addition to using Geofeedia to search an area during breaking news, it can be used to continually monitor your local coverage area or find user-generated content during high-profile events.

The International Journalists’ Network has an excellent review of how journalists can use Geofeedia.

TinEye

At a presentation on Flickr and Tumblr, Yahoo estimated about 880 billion photos will be taken in 2014. Unfortunately, among the ever-increasing number of photos being shared on social media are many fake or doctored images.

For instance, Mashable compiled a collection of fake Hurricane Sandy photos that had been passed around online. While some of these images were downright fabrications of photoshopped storm clouds over the New York skyline, others were incorrectly captioned photos from previous storms.

Sites like TinEye help journalists and the public verify these images’ validity.

TinEye is a reverse image search engine. Using image identification technology that looks at pixels instead of keywords and metadata, it helps users figure out where an image came from and if modified versions exist.

In addition to accepting contributions of complete online image collections, TinEye crawls the web for new images with more than four billion photos indexed in its search engine. TinEye’s Cool Searches page has compiled a few examples of these modified images traced back to the originals.

These are just a few of the tools used to verify social media content. For a more complete guide on how journalists are using these tools and best practices when tracking information on social networks, see Josh Stearns’ compilation of how-tos, case studies, and discussions on the matter.

Subscribe to Beyond Bylines to get media trends, journalist interviews, blogger profiles, and more sent right to your inbox.

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Amanda Hicken is a former media relations manager at PR Newswire.  Follow her on Twitter @ADHicken.

You may also like...

63 Responses

  1. We are a bunch of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community.
    Your web site offered us with valuable information to work on. You’ve performed an impressive process and our entire community will likely be grateful
    to you.

    • Maximo6York says:

      Hey. Whether you’re dealing with a challenging topic, tight deadlines, or simply need guidance, this platform connects you with expert writers who deliver well-researched, plagiarism-free essays tailored to your specific needs. The service is reliable, ensuring timely delivery and meeting all academic guidelines. It’s perfect for students looking to improve their writing or tackle complex assignments with confidence. I highly recommend this pay for research paper writing https://writepaper.com/pay-for-research-papers for anyone seeking professional, efficient support to enhance their academic performance and achieve success.

  2. Hello! This post couldn’t be written any better!
    Reading this post reminds me of my old room mate! He always kept chatting about this.
    I will forward this write-up to him. Fairly certain he will have a good read.
    Thanks for sharing!

  3. Cutting blades: Cutting blades may give you
    trouble when you in a hilly area. You should clean all your window sills and if necessary give a fresh lick of paint.
    To troubleshoot its errant working mostly due to the
    air filter this may easily be located and supervened upon with a new one.

  4. tom says:

    Affordability and excellence showcased in the https://scamfighter.net/review/superbessay.com are a rare combination. Finally, a service that cares about quality without breaking the bank!

  5. This was beautiful Admin. Thank you for your reflections.

  6. Amelia Cole says:

    I appreciate you sharing this blog post. Thanks Again. Cool.

  7. Hi there to all, for the reason that I am genuinely keen of reading this website’s post to be updated on a regular basis. It carries pleasant stuff.

  8. naturally like your web site however you need to take a look at the spelling on several of your posts. A number of them are rife with spelling problems and I find it very bothersome to tell the truth on the other hand I will surely come again again.

  9. Luz Stout says:

    I just like the helpful information you provide in your articles

  10. I like the efforts you have put in this, regards for all the great content.

  11. I am truly thankful to the owner of this web site who has shared this fantastic piece of writing at at this place.

  12. Nice post. I learn something totally new and challenging on websites

  13. For the reason that the admin of this site is working, no uncertainty very quickly it will be renowned, due to its quality contents.

  14. Londyn Eaton says:

    I’m often to blogging and i really appreciate your content. The article has actually peaks my interest. I’m going to bookmark your web site and maintain checking for brand spanking new information.

  15. Hi there to all, for the reason that I am genuinely keen of reading this website’s post to be updated on a regular basis. It carries pleasant stuff.

  16. I’m often to blogging and i really appreciate your content. The article has actually peaks my interest. I’m going to bookmark your web site and maintain checking for brand spanking new information.

  17. I do not even understand how I ended up here, but I assumed this publish used to be great

  18. Abby Conner says:

    I do not even understand how I ended up here, but I assumed this publish used to be great

  19. You’re so awesome! I don’t believe I have read a single thing like that before. So great to find someone with some original thoughts on this topic. Really.. thank you for starting this up. This website is something that is needed on the internet, someone with a little originality!

  20. Karsyn Perry says:

    I like the efforts you have put in this, regards for all the great content.

  21. Lilly Watts says:

    Awesome! Its genuinely remarkable post, I have got much clear idea regarding from this post

  22. Asa Skinner says:

    This was beautiful Admin. Thank you for your reflections.

  23. I just like the helpful information you provide in your articles

  24. Paola Quinn says:

    Good post! We will be linking to this particularly great post on our site. Keep up the great writing

  25. naturally like your web site however you need to take a look at the spelling on several of your posts. A number of them are rife with spelling problems and I find it very bothersome to tell the truth on the other hand I will surely come again again.

  26. Ella Hull says:

    very informative articles or reviews at this time.

  27. There is definately a lot to find out about this subject. I like all the points you made

  28. Denzel Huber says:

    Good post! We will be linking to this particularly great post on our site. Keep up the great writing

  29. This is my first time pay a quick visit at here and i am really happy to read everthing at one place

  30. Paola Quinn says:

    Good post! We will be linking to this particularly great post on our site. Keep up the great writing

  31. Very well presented. Every quote was awesome and thanks for sharing the content. Keep sharing and keep motivating others.

  32. Jase Ponce says:

    For the reason that the admin of this site is working, no uncertainty very quickly it will be renowned, due to its quality contents.

  33. Frida Kline says:

    You’re so awesome! I don’t believe I have read a single thing like that before. So great to find someone with some original thoughts on this topic. Really.. thank you for starting this up. This website is something that is needed on the internet, someone with a little originality!

  34. Delaney Ross says:

    This was beautiful Admin. Thank you for your reflections.

  35. Chana Walsh says:

    I just like the helpful information you provide in your articles

  36. Hi there to all, for the reason that I am genuinely keen of reading this website’s post to be updated on a regular basis. It carries pleasant stuff.

  37. Andre Rivas says:

    very informative articles or reviews at this time.

  38. Great information shared.. really enjoyed reading this post thank you author for sharing this post .. appreciated

  39. George Meza says:

    I am truly thankful to the owner of this web site who has shared this fantastic piece of writing at at this place.

  40. Awesome! Its genuinely remarkable post, I have got much clear idea regarding from this post

  41. Nice post. I learn something totally new and challenging on websites

  42. You’re so awesome! I don’t believe I have read a single thing like that before. So great to find someone with some original thoughts on this topic. Really.. thank you for starting this up. This website is something that is needed on the internet, someone with a little originality!

  43. Bdaia says:

    The educational website provides a wide range of interactive lessons and resources to help students enhance their English language skills.
    مراكز علاج الادمان

  44. I appreciate you sharing this blog post. Thanks Again. Cool.

  45. George Nunez says:

    This was beautiful Admin. Thank you for your reflections.

  46. I tried stopping, but it was just a steep incline.

  47. Great information shared! I really enjoyed reading this post. Thank you, author, for sharing this—much appreciated. Can’t wait to explore more amazing content on Luciferdonghua! https://luciferdonghua.one/

  48. A2Bookmarks Italy says:

    You are cordially invited to visit Italy Social Bookmarking Website and share your blog articles.

  49. ClearHolidays is an outstanding platform for travelers seeking to explore India’s stunning destinations with ease. The website offers comprehensive travel guides, customized tour packages, and practical tips that make planning your journey both simple and enjoyable. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or cultural experiences, ClearHolidays provides the resources you need for an exceptional trip.

    For those interested in discovering Almora, ClearHolidays has valuable insights into places to visit near Shitlakhet. The site highlights this beautiful area and suggests various nearby attractions to enhance your visit. With ClearHolidays, planning your trip to Shitlakhet and exploring its surroundings is both effortless and rewarding.

  50. Thank you for sharing. I’ve read a great deal on relevant topics! Unlike other articles, yours really made an impression on me. I hope you’ll continue to write thoughtful pieces for us all to read, like this one and others!

  51. julie says:

    I really appreciate the time and effort you’ve put into this post!
    Your explanations are clear and helpful, making it easy for readers to grasp even the more intricate details.
    feel free to visit my webpage
    A DOT inspections is essential for ensuring the safety of diesel trucks and semi-trailers in Dallas, TX.
    For truckers, it involves checking crucial components such as semi trailer doors, tires, brakes, and lights.
    Mobile truck inspections are convenient, and truckers can expect to spend between $50 to $150 on DOT inspection prices in Texas.
    To prepare, follow the Texas CDL pre-trip inspection checklist, which covers all truck and trailer aspects.
    From semi truck preventive maintenance to semi trailer repairs, staying compliant is critical.
    Texas Truck Repair offers complete inspection services to keep your fleet safe and roadworthy.
    DOT inspections

  52. Monica Thuram says:

    The game begins with the objective of staying untagged. You navigate the environment, dodging other players to remain free. However, in gorilla tag once you’re tagged, your role changes, and you must now pursue others. This switch keeps the gameplay lively and engaging, as players experience both sides of the chase. The excitement lies in the unpredictability of role changes, making each round an exhilarating adventure.

  53. Kelly Clark says:

    In this intriguing game, players are tasked with revealing the hidden lives of their neighbors through observation and deduction. Every clue collected brings you closer to solving the overarching mystery. As you navigate through various challenges, https://thatsnotmyneighbor.com keeps you on the edge of your seat with its unexpected developments. The engaging storyline and clever puzzles make it a must-try for anyone who enjoys unraveling secrets.

  54. edward an says:

    One of Bitcoin’s most significant contributions to the global economy is its potential to enhance financial inclusion. Approximately 1.7 billion people worldwide remain unbanked, lacking access to https://bestanonymouscasinos.com/ traditional financial services.

  55. Kevin says:

    Play the free Incredibox Sprunki game online. It includes all Incredibox Sprunki mods.

  56. fall guys says:

    Thank you really very much. Your article has given me a lot of useful information. Hope you will continue to have useful articles in the future.

  57. Thank you so much! Your article provided me with a wealth of valuable information. I look forward to seeing more insightful articles from you in the future. winpkrapk.com

  58. joseadam112 says:

    This part of the series focuses on understanding how social media operates, the types of misinformation commonly found there, and strategies for effectively distinguishing fact from fiction in real-time. It emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, utilizing reliable sources, and leveraging tools or techniques to enhance the fact-checking process in the fast-paced social media environment. https://www.edenthorpesearch.com/crypto-recruitment

  1. March 25, 2014

    […] Faster Fact Checking series, we discussed online tools that help verify data; part 2 focused on social media fact checking; and part 3, crisis and public safety reporting.  For our final installment, we’re moving away […]

  2. May 6, 2014

    […] Faster Fact Checking, Part 2: Making Sense of Social Media […]

  3. September 12, 2018

    […] reporting breaking news to best practices and making sense of social media. Read up on Parts one, two, three, and […]

  4. March 9, 2022

    […] to move on? Read Part 2, Part 3 and Part 4 of this […]

Leave a Reply