8 TIPS

HOW TO SPOT
FAKE NEWS ONLINE
tip#1
CHECK THE
SOURCE
Before sharing any information, always check if the source is
reliable.
Look closely at the URL; be wary of unusual top-level domain
names, like “.com.co.”
Vet the publisher’s credibility and read the About Us page
including its mission, goals and its contact information.
tip#2
Read beyond the headlines
False news stories often have catchy headlines to intentionally let
people click their article in order to gain more page views.
If you are not confident to open the site, try to ignore it and look for
other reliable media outlets.
If you clicked on it, read beyond the headlines and investigate the
article critically.
tip#3
Watch for unusual FORMAT
Most fake news usually have misspellings, incorrect punctuation,
typographical errors and amateurish layouts.
Also look out for a lacing headline that insists ‘MUST READ’ or
‘SHOCKING’. If the claims sound unbelievable, they probably are.
tip#4
Cross-check information
Does the information come from a reliable authority? Cross-check facts
by investigating the news’ sources or authors.
Confirm if the sources are reliable and accurate. Lack of evidence on
unnamed experts may indicate a fictitious news story.
tip#5
Check the publication date
Some news may contain altered event dates or timeline that makes no
sense in the present. This can also be considered as fake.
tip#6
Check if the story is a joke
Sometimes, false news stories convey readers from its humorous tone.
Always think critically whether the story’s details and tone is intended
as satire and if it is supported by documents.
tip#7
Corroborate other related
reports
If no other news source is reporting the same story, it may indicate
that the story is false.
If the story is reported by multiple sources you trust, it’s more likely
be true.
tip#8
Consider biases
If the news does not cohere to your personal beliefs, it does not mean
that it is false.
To avoid conflict, it is also best to consider others’ points of view.
tip#8
Consider biases
If the news does not cohere to your personal beliefs, it does not mean
that it is false.
To avoid conflict, it is also best to consider others’ points of view.
Don’t be caught sharing fake news.
Hope these simple tips can help you detect false news.

Think before you click.