In a recent poll on the Independent web page, readers were asked whether Meta (Facebook) should focus more on protecting free expression or on combating misinformation. The question came following the Jan. 7 announcement that Meta would stop using third party fact-checkers on Facebook, Threads and Instagram. Instead, regular users will be able to add “notes” to posts, thus correcting inaccuracies or false claims.

Local poll results showed that 67 percent believe Meta should focus more on combating misinformation. The results are encouraging. People know that misinformation can spread on social media and that vetting information is crucial, now more than ever.

So moving forward, where are you going to get your information?

Where do you get it now?

Every time you repeat a piece of news you’ve read and someone says, “where did you hear that?”

What do you say?

Far too often we hear people simply say, “Facebook.” I implore you to really consider the source. Maybe you did see it on Facebook but it was a post from The New York Times, WCCO or the Independent. Then answer that way. “I saw it in a post from MPR.”

If you didn’t see it from a credible news source, maybe you should consider where it really came from and whether the information is true, especially before you start repeating it.

Ending the spread of misinformation is a group effort and it starts locally and it starts with you