5 Ways to Identify Fake News!!

In 2022 information can very easily be spread through social media. While this can be great for social change and awareness, this can also cause great miscommunication and the opportunity for “fake news”. This information is commonly false or misleading and strategically presented to sway the viewer's perception or cause a reaction. Don't worry, here are 5 ways to identify fake news so you won't be fooled: 

Tip 1: Check the news source 

Be it Facebook, Twitter, or another source: You often come across news that comes from a page that you have never seen before. If this is the case, you should do a little research before believing the message and/or spreading it. You should ask yourself the following questions: 

• Did the report appear on a trustworthy site? What other items are there? 
• Is the author known from other reputable news sites? 

Tip 2: Develop a critical attitude

One of the reasons folks fall for dubious news is that it sounds credible, sometimes even more credible than the real thing. They often also have a catchy headline designed to shock the reader or appeal to them on an emotional level. 

That’s why it’s important to keep a cool head. Instead of responding emotionally, it’s best to try to view the message rationally. Take a closer look at the message and ask yourself the following questions: 

• Why was this message written? Do they want to influence me? 
• Are they trying to sell me something? 
• Am I being sent to another website? 
• Do other news portals report about it?

Tip 3: Follow the sources

A properly researched report will contain many quotes, dates, and facts. Be it expert statements, survey evaluations, or statistics – serious news will not shy away from linking them. 

If there are no sources, and everything is based on hearsay, you may want to question the text. Is there any evidence that what was mentioned in the article really happened or were facts invented or distorted?

Tip 4: Look for fake pictures 

Often dubious news is accompanied by equally dubious pictures. These should underline and prove the “facts” of the article. However, modern image processing programs make it very difficult to distinguish real from fake images; this is often no longer possible. There are still a few things to watch out for: 

• See if the shadows that are cast look correct. 
• Examine the picture more closely if people or things have strange frayed edges.

Tip 5: Who else reports on it?

When it comes to significant issues such as elections or global emergencies such as the coronavirus pandemic, reports abound. Maintaining an overview and distinguishing serious from untrustworthy news can be difficult. If you find a message that is spreading completely new information that you have never heard of before, it is best to check whether other sites report it. Compare the information with what organizations such as Reuters or other trustworthy sources publish, and fact–check the information.