When should you trust a news story?

A story being widely shared does not make it true. When a claim spreads quickly, a few minutes of source checking can keep misinformation from travelling further.

Separate the claim from the headline

Headlines can sound more certain than the evidence behind them. When you see phrases such as “experts confirm” or “everyone is talking about this,” restate the claim in your own words. If it is unclear or keeps changing, that is a reason to slow down.

Check the source and date

Who first published the claim? Does the link really belong to that organization? Can you find the quoted expert, document, or study? Dates matter too: an old photo or report can be recirculated as if it described a new event.

• Try to find the earliest available source.
• Check whether independent, reliable sources confirm the same information.
• Verify the context and publication date of photos and videos.

Pause when emotion speeds you up

Content that triggers anger, fear, or surprise can make us want to share it immediately. Those feelings are not evidence that a claim is accurate. If you are unsure, wait. If you cannot find a source, say so clearly.

You do not need to be an expert to help reduce information disorder. Looking for the source, checking the date, and not spreading content you cannot verify are useful first steps.