It’s a wild world out there, and frankly, the “bullshit meter” has to work harder than ever.
Bullshit often relies on outrage or extreme validation. If an article makes you feel immediately furious or smugly “right,” it’s likely designed to bypass your logic.
The Test: Ask, “Is this trying to inform me, or is it trying to make me feel something?”
Don’t just look at the website name—look at the URL and the “About Us” section. URLs that mimic real news sites (e.g., .co instead of .com) or sites that lack a clear masthead or editorial policy are a red flag. Don’t just read the site itself. Open a new tab and search for the site’s name. What do other reputable sources say about their credibility?
Quality writing links to primary sources (original studies, official transcripts, or direct data). A post that says “Scientists say…” without naming the scientists or linking to the actual study is likely bullshit. Click the links. Sometimes, a “source” is just another blog post from the same author, creating a circular loop of nothingness.
Search for the topic on a site known to have the opposite bias of what you’re currently reading. If the “facts” differ wildly, the truth is usually buried somewhere in the middle.
If you see a “breaking news” photo that looks too perfect, right-click and “Search Image with Google.” You might find that the “current” photo is actually from a protest in 2014 or a movie set.
A liar knows the truth and tries to hide it; a bullshitter doesn’t care what the truth is—they just want to get a reaction.
REFLECTIONS OF A SWAMPER 