Chris Nichols, a member of PolitiFact and contributor for Capital Public Radio, stressed the importance of checking the information shared by those in power, especially in light of the increased use of social media.

Nichols spoke in the Hinde Auditorium from 12-1 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 10.

Nichols said his organization works to make sure the public is informed about the accuracy of the claims that politicians make. Each fact that is checked by PolitiFact goes through a process to determine the truthfulness and authenticity of the claim that is being made by the politician or media figure and what effects may be felt by media consumers.

The scale by which they rate the “truthfulness of a politician’s claim” ranges from true, mostly true, half true, mostly false, false and pants on fire false, according to www.politifact.com.

“We do go to great lengths to vet the statement and fact check,” Nichols said. “We really go for substantial topics. It is sometimes a long process.”