Local 12: How to spot misinformation about the Israel-Hamas war
UC professor says outrage can be a tool of manipulation
Misinformation about the war between Israel and Hamas is abundant online, but there are ways to avoid falling for fake news, a University of Cincinnati professor told Local 12.
Many people have turned to social media for real-time updates about the conflict in Israel and Palestine. However, people should maintain some skepticism about what they're seeing online, said Jeffrey Blevins, PhD, a professor in UC's Department of Journalism and School of Public and International Affairs.
“If you see something and you are outraged by it, instead of just leaning into that outrage, you should be skeptical,” Blevins said. “Is someone trying to persuade me, manipulate me, to believe something that is not necessarily true?”
To avoid falling for misinformation, look to accredited news institutions for accurate information. Big news and horrific stories likely will be reported on by multiple outlets, so be wary of stories from a single source. Reverse image searches also can help determine if photos are legitimate.
Also, be wary of information that purports to come from a legitimate news organization but in reality is disinformation.
“So one of these videos for instance, it looks like it comes from BBC, which of course is reputable news outlet,” Blevins said. “But essentially they just took BBC’s logo and put it on this video which falsely suggests, I mean it looks like a news report, but it is suggesting that Ukraine had provided the weaponry to Hamas to help pull off this attack in Israel.”
Featured image at top: Jeffrey Blevins, PhD, professor in UC's Department of Journalism and School of Public and International Affairs. Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand
Impact Lives Here
The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction. Next Lives Here.
Related Stories
The psychological weight of money
April 7, 2026
Psychology and neuroscience website PsyPost highlighted research led by Sharmeen Merchant, doctoral candidate in UC’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business, that suggests a man’s sense of fulfillment at work is intertwined with his partner’s views on money.
'Born to Bowl' docu-series from CCM alum Brian Lazarte airs on HBO
April 7, 2026
The HBO Original five-part documentary series "Born to Bowl," directed by CCM Media Production alumnus Brian Lazarte and James Lee Hernandez, from A24 and executive produced by Ben Stiller, and narrated by Liev Schreiber, airs its final episode on Monday, April 13. It will be available to watch on HBO as well as stream on HBO Max.
'My health is priceless'
April 7, 2026
Weight loss drugs, including Ozempic and Wegovy, are changing more than waistlines — they're quietly transforming how people spend money, what they prioritize and who can afford better health. As Local 12/WKRC-TV recently reported, for some patients, the medications are life-changing. For others, the cost can be overwhelming.