Examples are researches, articles from media, youtube videos, podcasts etc. how do I know that what the people in these media outlets are saying is true? Do I just take the information at face value or do I need to do some specific research?
I’m asking this as I’ve come to information in the past that was then contradicted by some other information (apparently). Especially when it comes to debate and I would say that there are documents that the CIA has staged coups all around the world, the other person can just say “show me the proof I don’t believe you” and I’m just left standing there not knowing what to say or saying “saw it in a youtube video which showed the documents” which isn’t much of an answer I feel like.
Hope this makes sense.
That’s why you should always check out the references the video or podcast creators put in their descriptions. For the example of coups, you can go and check the declassified CIA documents including internal memos and whistleblower testimonies. They are all one google ( or whatever search engine you like) search away. The books like the Jakarta method also have mentions of those documents. It’s always good to verify the sources even if the info comes from your favorite creator/ online community. It also prevents embarrassing situations such as not being able to cite your sources during an argument. Here are some useful resources for further study/verification.
https://en.prolewiki.org/wiki/ProleWiki:Main_page
https://lemmygrad.ml/post/1029073
Edit: Forgot to mention, Also check where the funding of such information is coming from. If Anti-socialist, anti-China news media outlet is funded/owned by a private corporate or even straight up, a billionaire, then they are always gonna side with the capital in the face of fascism. These outlets tend to be anti-Union as well. Crowdfunded and worker owned media is preferable.
Fantastic thank you! What if certain statements are made that have contradicting sources, which source do you then trust?