Check the Source
- Reputation: Is the information coming from a well-known, reputable source? Verify that the news outlet, blog, or website has a history of accuracy.
- Check Author or Journalist Credentials: Make sure the person reporting the news has credible expertise and experience in the subject.
Look for Supporting Evidence
- Corroboration: Check if other reputable sources are reporting the same information. If the claim exists in isolation, then it might be false.
- Citations and Links: Trusted sources provide clear citations and references for their claims. If the article or post is vague or lacks evidence, then it could be spreading falsehoods.
Be Skeptical of Emotional Language
- Exaggeration: Disinformation, in particular, uses dramatic language to provoke strong reactions. Be wary of extreme adjectives like “disastrous” or “incredible.”
- Too Good (or Bad) to Be True: If a headline seems too shocking or perfect, then it’s likely worth a second look. Sensationalism is often a red flag.
Fact-Checking Tools
When in doubt, try a reliable fact-checking resource:
