How do you verify if something is actually true?
"A photo shows aliens landing!" "This miracle cure works!" Before sharing or believing, STOP. Check it! Fact-checking isn't just for journalists - it's a skill everyone needs. Here's how to be your own fact-checker!
Stop - Don't share immediately!
Investigate the source - Who's behind this?
Find better coverage - What do reliable sources say?
Trace to original - Find the primary source!
Takes 30 seconds, saves you from spreading misinformation!
For photos/videos: Use Google Image Search or TinEye! Upload the image to see: (1) When was it FIRST posted? (2) What's the ORIGINAL context? (3) Has it been ALTERED? Many "shocking" images are old, fake, or misrepresented!
ONE source saying something = suspicious!
MULTIPLE independent, credible sources = more likely true
Look for: Do major news outlets report this? What do experts say? Can you find the original study/document? If only sketchy sites report it... red flag!
Professional fact-checkers already investigated many viral claims! Check: Snopes, FactCheck.org, PolitiFact, AP Fact Check, Reuters Fact Check. Search "[claim] fact check" - often someone already debunked it!
Fact-checking means actively verifying claims BEFORE believing or sharing them!
Quick fact-check protocol:
1. Stop: Pause before sharing
2. Question: Does this seem too good/bad to be true?
3. Search: "[claim] + fact check" or "[claim] + debunk"
4. Verify source: Who originally said this?
5. Check date: Is this current or old news resurfacing?
6. Cross-reference: Do multiple reliable sources confirm?
For images/videos:
• Reverse image search
• Check metadata (when/where taken)
• Look for signs of editing
• Find original context
Red flags:
• Too shocking/perfect
• Appeals to emotion strongly
• Vague "sources say"
• Asks you to share quickly
• Only on unknown sites
Remember: "Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence!" The burden of proof is on the CLAIMANT, not the skeptic!
Your superpower: 30 seconds of checking prevents spreading lies!