How to Spot Misinformation That Spreads 6 Times Faster, Revealed by a Former Asahi Shimbun Reporter: AI Book Review of 'How to Identify Fake News'

Every time you open social media, a massive amount of information jumps out at you. Have you ever wondered if you can really trust that information? According to a survey by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, misinformation spreads about six times faster than news based on facts. As a certified public psychologist, I have interacted with many people and have seen many who become anxious or make wrong decisions because they are swayed by information. In this article, based on the book 'How to Identify Fake News' by former Asahi Shimbun reporter Hiromichi Ugaya, I will talk about the 'ability to discern information' that we can practice in our daily lives, while also incorporating psychological aspects.

Why are we so easily deceived?

A woman in her 30s told me this: 'I believed health information I saw on social media and tried it, but then I ended up feeling unwell...'

This is by no means a rare case.

There is a psychological reason why we are easily deceived by misinformation. Humans have a cognitive bias called 'confirmation bias', which is a tendency to more strongly believe information that we want to believe or that aligns with our own values.

Furthermore, in modern society, which prioritizes the 'speed' and 'simplicity' of information, there is no time to carefully verify the truth. Sensational headlines and content that stirs up emotions spread in the blink of an eye.

The 'method of identification' born from a 30-year career

Mr. Ugaya is a person who worked as a reporter for the Asahi Shimbun for many years after graduating from Kyoto University. This book is packed with information verification know-how derived from that experience.

What was particularly impressive was a lesson the author received during his time as an Asahi Shimbun reporter.

'If you are going to interview and publish comments from experts, interview and write about the facts that prove that content instead.'

In other words, value 'facts' that are certain to anyone over the 'opinions' of authoritative people. This philosophy is the core of this book.

7 principles you must grasp

The book explains specific ways to identify misinformation through seven chapters, but I will pick out the particularly important points.

1. 'Discard opinions'

This is the most important principle.

When you encounter information, first ask yourself: 'Is this a fact? Or is it someone's opinion?'

For example, 'I think XX is dangerous' is an opinion. '10 people were hospitalized due to XX' is a fact. Opinions change depending on the person, but facts should be the same no matter who looks at them. Just being able to make this distinction makes a huge difference in how much you are swayed by information.

2. 'Be suspicious of sentences without a subject'

'It has become a problem recently,' 'Experts are pointing it out'

Don't you often see posts like this? However, information that doesn't clearly state "who," "when," and "where" cannot be verified. Make it a habit to pause and think when the source of information is ambiguous.

3. "Expand your spatial and temporal perspective"

This comes from the principle of "applying the big picture."

When looking at the number of Twitter followers for a political party, before deciding whether it is "high" or "low," consider how it compares to other parties and how it has changed over time. By having that comparative perspective, the true meaning of the information becomes clear.

If you only look at one piece of information, your perspective becomes narrow. It is important to broaden your view spatially (by comparing with other sources) and temporally (by considering past context).

4. "Be wary of stereotypical narratives"

"All young people are like this," "People from △△ are like that."

Be careful with such generalizations and stories that sound plausible. People are susceptible to typical stories they are inclined to believe. As a psychologist, I can say that human thinking prefers simplification. We want to fit complex reality into easy-to-understand stories. But that is the breeding ground for misinformation.

5. "There is no guarantee that experts or newspapers are always right"

Isn't this shocking?

The author explains the importance of not blindly trusting authority. Do you assume it's true because it's written in a newspaper, said on TV, or stated by an expert?

Of course, reliable sources do exist. But ultimately, you are the one who must judge. You need an attitude of thinking for yourself rather than leaving information verification to others.

Practical steps you can take today, taught by a psychologist

I will introduce the specific information-checking procedure that I recommend.

Step 1: Take a deep breath first

If you see information and feel strong emotions (anger, anxiety, excitement) welling up, that might be a sign of fake news. Take a deep breath and calm down.

Step 2: Check the source

Who is sending it? Is it an official account? Is it a reliable organization? Start here.

Step 3: Look for primary sources

If the information says "According to so-and-so...", try to find the original statement or document from that person. The content often changes in a game of telephone.

Step 4: Compare with other sources

Check not just one article, but multiple newspapers, websites, and books. Try to look for information from different perspectives.

Step 5: Check the date

Old information is sometimes spread as if it were the latest news. Always check the date.

Step 6: Consider 'who benefits'

Is there anyone who benefits from this information spreading? Think about whether there are hidden political or commercial motives.

Individual effort has its limits, which is why

Actually, verifying information is quite difficult. It takes time and sometimes requires specialized knowledge.

Therefore, it is also important to make good use of professional resources, such as fact-checking websites and library librarians. Don't shoulder it alone; make reliable sources your allies.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications also lists 'improving ICT literacy' as an important policy. In other words, countermeasures against fake news require both individual effort and society-wide initiatives.

Misinformation and Disinformation

These are technical terms, but they are useful to know.

Misinformation: Sharing incorrect information without malicious intent
Disinformation: Intentionally creating and spreading false information

Many of us spread misinformation without meaning any harm. We think, 'This is important information!' and share it without verifying. We are especially prone to believing information from people we are close to.

That is precisely why it is important to take a breath before spreading information. The habit of asking yourself, 'Is this true?' is essential.

How this book differs from other guidelines

General fact-checking guidelines teach technical methods such as 'verify the source' and 'compare with multiple sources.' Of course, those are important too.

However, what makes 'How to Identify Fake News' special is that it delves into the psychology and motives of the sender. It even includes sections like 'Characteristics of Delusional and Pathological Liars', explaining why people lie and the psychological mechanisms behind the creation of fake information.

This is content that could only be written by someone with 30 years of experience as a journalist. It teaches the importance of 'intelligence'—not just mere techniques, but the ability to see through the essence of human nature.

A message from a psychologist

Information literacy is actually deeply connected to mental health.

When you are swayed by incorrect information, you end up harboring unnecessary anxiety and fear. Conversely, when you become able to judge information for yourself, your sense of self-efficacy (the feeling that "I can do it") increases, which also leads to mental stability.

"Healthy skepticism" does not mean becoming cynical. It means having the ability to think for yourself and make independent judgments. That is an essential skill for living life on your own terms.

In this age of information overload, let's take the time to stop and think. You don't need to check every piece of information perfectly. However, for important information that affects your life or the lives of your loved ones, stop for a moment and verify it. That small habit protects you and those around you.

In conclusion

Mr. Ugaya's "How to Identify Fake News" is not just a how-to book. It is a volume that clearly conveys the essence of journalism—"thinking based on facts"—to us, the general public.

Don't be swayed by information; master it. Move from a passive stance to an autonomous thinker. It will surely serve as a reliable compass for taking that first step.

Why not change your approach to information starting today?

(Created with Gemini 3.0 pro Deep Research, NotebookLM, and Claude sonnet 4.5)

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