Currently, the internet is rife with misleading information, fake news, manipulated images and video clips used out of context. So, how do can you spot if it is real or fake?
Social Media giants are struggling to keep up as they work with the government’s rapid response unit trying to crack down on misinformation about the coronavirus pandemic. Trying to distinguish fact from fiction is increasingly difficult, especially when world leaders have repeated inaccuracies to their millions of followers.
Ruth Sparkes editor of teen magazine Future Mag gives us some excellent tips on how to identify when we’re being fed fake news.
Where did the info come from?
Look at the publication or site and look at its other stories – consider whether there is any other possible dodgy content.
Is it current?
Sometimes a story from years ago can be reused to give the impression of ‘new’ news.
Look closer
Check whether the story has been published on other credible sites.
What’s underneath the headline?
Some publications and websites use ‘click-bait’ headlines as a way to encourage you to ‘click’ on the story. Sometimes the actual story bears no resemblance to its headline.
Research the author
If the article has a writer’s byline – Google them or check out their social media accounts to see what other pieces they’ve written, and to work out whether they might have a hidden agenda or a particular line to push.
And lastly,
Check the facts
There are some excellent fact-checking websites such as www.fullfact.org and www.snopes.com to use when you’re really not sure about a story.
Read more lifestyle news articles and guides in our dedicated section here.