Fact Checked: Why Now? Why Woodhull?
April 12, 2024
Why Woodhull?
Information spreads fast online. It seems to spread even faster when it’s wrong. And when people form opinions based on inaccurate information, those opinions can lead to dangerous policies. Woodhull stepped into a leadership position to counter the harmful, infuriating misinformation about sex and sexuality that is rampant on social media and in our political discourse. Enter Fact Checked by Woodhull, a program that uses peer-reviewed research compiled and analyzed by professional researchers to debunk the myths used to justify the repression of sex, sexuality, and gender expression.
We have an unwavering commitment to impartiality and accuracy, and our plan is to grow the program to the point that Fact Checked by Woodhull is the go-to resource for journalists, attorneys, legislators, advocates, and individuals seeking the truth about the important issues that impact our bodily autonomy today.
Our mission is simple: to provide you with the facts you need to make informed decisions. Whether it’s dissecting complex policy debates, debunking misleading claims, or verifying the accuracy of statements made by public figures, we’re here to separate fact from fiction with precision and rigor.
Woodhull’s first fact-check release confronts the hot-button myths behind the false claim that pornography is causing a public health crisis. This is just one of the claims being used to advance broad censorship of the Internet.
Why now?
False or misleading information is everywhere, and that’s a problem, especially when it’s used to limit our rights and freedoms. At Fact Checked by Woodhull, we understand the gravity of the challenges posed by misinformation, particularly in shaping discussions around sexual freedom.
Disinformation has become a significant issue in the digital age, influencing public opinion, exacerbating social divisions, and even impacting political processes.
Today, so many of us get our information from trusted sources, such as our community, academics, and journalists, so we really need them to get it right. Woodhull is committed to helping those who want to get it right. We know there’s a real need for reliable, fact-checked information. According to the Pew Research Center, in 2022, more than 75% of journalists encountered false or made-up information at least some of the time when working on stories; worse, 28% of journalists are only somewhat or not at all confident in their ability to recognize false or made-up information. Fact Checked by Woodhull is our contribution to “getting it right.”
When disinformation is used to justify attacks on our freedoms, it’s easier for politicians to convince voters that they are being protected rather than harmed. We are committed to fighting back and giving people the information they need to truly protect themselves and their communities.
Woodhull is expanding its team of researchers and contributors to combat the growing amount of misinformation. Those who are interested in being part of this drafting committee should contact [email protected] for more information.
Those interested in joining the fight online can help by educating themselves about facts and sharing the posts on Fact Checked By Woodhull to engage with journalists, legislators, and others who may be spreading misinformation wittingly or unwittingly.
The Fact Checked by Woodhull Program only exists because of the financial support of Woodhull donors. If you want to see this work succeed, please donate to the Woodhull Freedom Foundation.
