Five checks before you share a news story

A shocking message arrives in your family group: a new law, a disease outbreak, a dead celebrity or a promise of free money. Your thumb hovers over the forward button. In a few seconds you can decide whether to share a fact or a rumour. Use these five checks.

1. Who is the source?

Is the story from a known news organisation or an official body, or from an unnamed "friend of a friend"? Messages that say "forward to everyone" without a source are a warning sign. Look for the name of the author and the original publisher.

2. Can you find it somewhere else?

Search for the key words of the story. If it is real and important, reliable outlets will usually report it. If only one unknown page carries it, be careful. Check a few trusted sources, not just social media.

3. When was it published?

Old stories are often recycled as if they were new. Check the date, and see if the event happened recently. A photo from several years ago may be used to illustrate a current rumour.

4. Does it play with your emotions?

False stories often use fear, anger or outrage to push people to share. Words in capital letters, many exclamation marks and claims such as "they don't want you to know" are common tricks. When you feel a strong reaction, pause longer.

5. Does the evidence match the claim?

Look at images and videos closely. A photo may come from another place or time. You can use a reverse image search to see where a picture first appeared. Check whether quotes are attributed to a real person with a real source.

What to do if you are unsure

Do not share it. If you want to warn others, say that you are not sure and are checking. If you discover that you shared something false, post a correction.

Why it matters

Rumours can cause panic, damage reputations and lead people to make harmful decisions, such as ignoring health advice or sending money to scammers. Sharing responsibly is part of being a good community member.

Build the habit

Spend one minute checking before every forward. Encourage friends and relatives to do the same, and gently correct false stories when you can.

The internet gives everyone a loudspeaker. Using it carefully makes it a force for good.

Written by the EarnNaija team at EarnNaija Digital Technologies.

This article is general information, not financial or legal advice. Earnings are never guaranteed. See our fees page for the exact costs.