Guy Kawasaki's Remarkable People

How to Think Clearly in an Age of Misinformation with Mike Caulfield

Dec 15, 2025
In this enlightening discussion, Mike Caulfield, a research scientist specializing in misinformation, shares insightful strategies to navigate the murky waters of online information. He introduces the SIFT method for verifying sources and debunks the myth surrounding Wikipedia's reliability, showcasing it as a valuable tool. Mike also discusses the risks of relying on large language models for verification, emphasizing critical thinking. With practical tips on assessing credibility and searching strategies, he empowers listeners to become discerning digital consumers.
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ADVICE

Verify A Source With Wikipedia First

  • Check a source's Wikipedia page first to see who or what it actually is.
  • Use Google News and search terms like funding or location if Wikipedia has no entry.
INSIGHT

Wikipedia Has Stronger Defenses Today

  • Modern Wikipedia has active defenses like bots and editor monitoring that reduce vandalism.
  • Use Wikipedia's citations to trace contested claims rather than relying on the page alone.
ADVICE

Don't Rely On LLMs For Hard Facts

  • Avoid trusting LLMs for granular factual claims unless you can evaluate them yourself.
  • Prefer humans with reputational stakes when verifying complex or hard-to-check claims.
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