Detecting Lies, Deception, and Long Cons

View of the ADKs from the Paul Smith’s VIC Lodge

We live in an era saturated with deception. AI-generated content and deliberate misinformation have become standard tools for propagandists and con artists seeking to manipulate public opinion. They work to convince people that self-serving, often illegal agendas are actually righteous causes. The real damage occurs when those fighting back against this manipulation adopt the same tactics—when resistance to fraud becomes indistinguishable from the fraud itself. 

For example, over the past few weeks, I've noticed many left-leaning social media pages sharing photos tagged as recent protests around the country. (I pay close attention because my two children and their life partners live in two of those cities that have been targeted with threats of military occupation.) Upon investigation, these turned out to be old images from entirely different locations. This is deeply problematic. When people on the right side of history resort to false clickbait and rage-bait tactics, they forfeit their credibility. This behavior is no better than the propagandist's long con.

Detecting manipulated content—whether AI-generated, deceptively misidentified photos and videos or fabricated stories—has become increasingly difficult. The key skill is determining whether a source is legitimate. Several important questions can help you evaluate not only whether information is factual, but also whether it's propaganda and whether you should share it. The following is a list I compiled from several sources, as well as from my own experience.

Essential Components for Evaluating Information:
1. Currency (Date Published) – When was it originally written, photographed, or filmed?
2. Source – Does it come from a known, reputable news agency or verified social media page?
3. Author/Creator Credentials – Who made this, and what's their expertise or track record?
4. URL/Page Validity – Legitimate sites are often cloned; verify the exact address and page authenticity.
5. Plausibility Check – Does it seem too good (or outrageous) to be true?
6. Bias Assessment – Are you getting the whole story, or just one angle?
7. Cross-Reference – Compare with multiple independent sources.
8. Reverse Image Search – Verify that photos are being used in their correct context. I use TinEye. 
9. Intention – Is this designed as clickbait or rage bait to trigger an emotional reaction?
10. Most Importantly, follow the money – Who profits from spreading this information?

Additionally, if you need help identifying the veracity of any piece of information, check in with your local librarian. They are the absolute heroes of the moment! 

We cannot fight deception and propaganda through silence or resignation—they're uncovered through disciplined skepticism and commitment to facts. Every time we share unverified content, even with good intentions, we become unwitting participants in propaganda. The tools for verification exist and are accessible to anyone willing to invest a few extra minutes before clicking the “share” button.

Transparency is the greatest weapon against the long con, not counter-propaganda. When we consistently use critical thinking skills to apply the above criteria in investigating content, we build credibility—something propaganda cannot claim. That trustworthiness becomes a badge of legitimacy for individuals, communities, and movements genuinely working toward justice, distinguishing them from those merely exploiting outrage for clicks, donations, or political gain.

Truth-telling is not a tactic to be deployed selectively; it's the foundation upon which all legitimate resistance must be built. In an age of deception, your most radical act may simply be refusing to share a lie.

*Sources: Institute of Museum and Library Services flyer-www.InformationLiteracy.gov; https://www.scribbr.com/working-with-sources/credible-sources/; https://www.una.edu/writingcenter/docs/Writing-Resources/Source%20Credibility.pdf

DRC News

Paul Smith’s VIC Field Trip

Field Trips
The DRC Crew traveled to the Paul Smith’s VIC on Thursday to spend a delightful day in the ADK. We missed peak colors by about a week, but it was still a gorgeous view. Thank you to the Madill family for letting us borrow their 8 passenger van for this trip.

It is our intention to go on a field trip every two weeks. In fact, we are writing a grant for this purpose. Our biggest hurdle is reliable transportation. Even if this grant gets funded with travel cost reimbursement, it is not guaranteed that we will have cars and drivers when we need them—for the number of kiddos who want to go. We understand that parents are often busy with jobs and other responsibilities. 

In the process of writing the grant, I contacted SLC Public Transit because in the past they have chartered busses for a local private school & various community group activities. They no longer do that for insurance purposes. I also contacted Premier bus services. You don’t want to know what it would cost for one trip, never-mind 18 over the course of an academic year. Holy Wow-zers!

If you have any viable (wouldn’t cost the earth) ideas to solve this issue, please get in touch. Also, if you have any thoughts on places for us to visit within a 1-1.5 hour radius of Canton, please pass them on.  (I have a pretty long list already, but I am sure I am missing a few important places.) ​ 

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Weekly Wrap-up
Besides our field trip, the Canton Crew had a fairly chill week at the Center. They took one last walk to immerse themselves (yes, literally) in the Grasse River on Monday before the cold, real fall weather hit. The kitchen was busy with kids making pancakes & sausage, buffalo chicken mac & cheese for lunch, and chocolate chip pumpkin bars, banana bread, and a pumpkin roll. 

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DRC Pop-ups
The Pop-ups Peeps had a great time at the Nicandri Nature Center on Thursday.   Your homeschool family can join the fun this coming Thursday Oct. 16th, from 12-3, at the Massena Public Library.