Howtru – User-Generated Truth
Howtru is a potential solution to the growing problem of how to sort fact from fiction when it comes to news and information found on the internet. With many millions of blogs, news outlets, and social media networks, it is possible for people to say whatever they want about anything, whether it is accurate or not. While it is easy to search for content based on its popularity or relevance, it is often impossible to know how accurate that information is. Knowing the accuracy of information is especially important when it comes to the many websites offering information and advice on finances, medical decisions, consumer items and other topics that could affect people’s lives.
Howtru will enable users to aggregate their expertise in order to place a “VeracityScore” onto content. Each VeracityScore will be judged according to how many people believe the content to be accurate and how much of an expert each person is on the subject. Users can post the reasons they believe the content to be dubious. These reasons are also then seen as articles by Howtru and can also be rated, thus helping to further ensure that the judgements aren’t biased.
Howtru is currently still developing its system, however users can sign up to be notified and considered for beta-testing when the opportunity arises.
Howtru has the potential to help police even the largest and most powerful media outlets, as well as providing a new way of filtering the massive amounts of information that are available to internet users.
