How to Tell If a Message Is Fake News Before You Forward It
Chat apps make it easy to share news with one tap. That is a good thing, until the news is false. Rumours about health, money, politics or disasters can spread to thousands of people in an hour and cause real harm. You can help stop this by pausing before you forward.
Check who wrote it
Messages that say 'forward to everyone' or 'a doctor friend told me' usually have no real source. Real news names the person or organisation behind it, and you can find the same story on a trusted news website or an official page.
Look at the emotion
False stories are designed to make you scared, angry or excited so that you share without thinking. If a message makes your heart race and tells you to act immediately, slow down. That feeling is often the trick.
Search for the story
Type the main claim into a search engine. If nobody reputable is reporting it, or fact-checking websites say it is false, do not share it. Also check the date, because old stories are often recycled as if they just happened.
Be careful with pictures and videos
Photos can be edited, taken from another country or from years ago. A video can be cut so that it shows only part of what happened. You can search for a photo online to see where it first appeared.
Beware of health and money advice
Messages that promise a miracle cure, a secret way to double your money or free airtime are almost always false or scams. For health, speak to a doctor or a clinic. For money, speak to your bank.
Correct people kindly
If a friend shares something false, send them a private message with a trusted link instead of embarrassing them in a group. Most people share false news because they care, not because they want to lie.
The simple rule: if you are not sure it is true, do not forward it. One person who stops a false message protects many others.
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