@nprofile1q... Add to this checking methodology of studies, both scientific and sociological.
80% of cited studies in mainstream news articles are manufactured and have significant methodological problems that skew the results to a desired outcome. But if you don't dive into them, they look really convincing.
Neofascists perfected the art of "data as propaganda" because they realized that if "the data" says it, there's no need to argue.