A study conducted by researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is showing that humans are to blame for the spread of the digital virus commonly referred to as fake news. While it has been easy for governments and everyday persons to blame bots (automated or non-human profiles) on social media for the spread of misinformation, that is not the case.

Studies similar to these, which have been researched, tested and verified are the backbone of Sabinet's information services. The source of peer reviewed information for universities, institutions, researchers and governments alike, Sabinet knows the importance of providing this information to its numerous clients.

If bots are not to blame, humans are aggregators of the misinformation we are bombarded with, on an ever-growing basis from online sources around the world. The only way to prevent the spread of this digital first virus is to be certain of your sources. Understanding how to discern between articles with good sources, versus those with bad, or without sources.

Sabinet retroactively digitises articles from hundreds of mainstream local publications between 1978 and present day. You will find what the local press had to say about your topic, and you discern credibility for yourself. Journalists are schooled in sourcing verifiable, well researched information, providing their audiences with information that can stand the test of time. This skill however, is not only important for journalists, but for every single digitally active individual.

Never be caught off-guard by lack of information. Always research information from reputable sources, and trust only those institutions which have built a reputation for providing the most up to date information. Sabinet takes pride in bringing the whole picture to Africa from all over the world, and showcasing African-first information to the rest of the world.