Evaluating Information

In 2018, while reporting on the events at a Lidl in Tallaght the Irish Times online newspaper displayed a Lidl on fire indicating it was the store in Tallaght.

This image had been shared online while the events were taking place. It resulted in reports to the Dublin Fire Brigade

The photo is of a Lidl in Kastellaun, Germany on fire in 2016

Here's an example of evaluating information in action. 

TIPS for evaluating images

Can you verify where the photo was taken? 

Do you know when the photo was taken? 

Do you know who took the photo - are they reputable? 

There is a lot of false or misleading information about Coronavirus circulated via social media. Here is an example of a rumour about Ireland going into complete lockdown being spread on WhatsApp. 

TIPS for spotting misinformation

Has the message been forwarded to you? 

Is the claimed source of information named or simply "a friend who works in the Health Service / my uncle knows someone who..."?

Can you verify the information on a reputable website such as HSE.ie or GOV.ie?