Has a well-meaning friend ever been sent you an article whose contents were not true? This friend sent it because they believed what they sent was true. They forwarded the item in an attempt to be helpful. Their intentions were honorable. Yet the information they shared was wrong and could be dangerous if believed and acted upon.
You open the item because it was sent to you by a trustworthy source. After reading it you forward it to your friends; again with honest intent on your part. Meanwhile, others are forwarding the same myth and the story begins coming back to you from lots of people. Now, having seen it come in from so many people who you know and trust, you are convinced the myth is actually the truth.
Do yourself a favor. Spend a few minutes researching and thinking your way through the article. Consider your personal history in sending items to others. Are you quick to sign an online petition, click on like, make a comment, and forward the item to your friends? Have you sent items you wish you had not sent? Remember that your personal credibility is at risk.
Personal Note: A few months ago (pre-Corona) I forwarded an article that I had spent time “fact checking.” In a few hours, one of my thoughtful friends pointed out to me that the article I had sent, in spite of looking factual, was anything but that. This false article was well written and looked informed and truthful. It turned out that the facts included were only those that supported the position of the originating author while countervailing facts were excluded. I was embarrassed to have sent it.
Bill Ramsey's Blog 
Great post, Bill. It’s important to fact check (and to always consider one’s sources). These days, however, with an unreliable press, it’s getting more and more difficult to get to the truth. Like you, I’m probably guilty of occasionally passing on dubious information. All we can do is vet new information as well as we can, or, barring the ability to do that, keep it to ourselves. Again, a terrific post! Stay safe. 🙂
LikeLike