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10 Tips for Identifying Fake News on Social Media

Fake news is classified into two types:

Fictionalized stories: These are completely made-up stories designed to persuade people that something is wrong, that they should buy a certain product, or that they should visit a specific website.
Partially true but not entirely accurate stories: For example, a journalist may only quote a portion of what a politician says, creating an inaccurate impression of what they mean. Again, this could be done on purpose to persuade readers of a particular point of view, or it could be the result of an unintentional error. In any case, it quickly gained a following and may have become an “urban myth.”

How to spot Fake News on Social Media?

You’re probably wondering how to spot fake news on Facebook and other social media platforms. how to prevent Fake news on social media? Or how to avoid unintentionally disseminating incorrect information online? Here are ten things to consider before detecting misinformation, identifying fake news websites, and sharing:

1. Confirm the source:

Examine the web URL of the page you’re on. Fake news on social media sites’ URLs may contain spelling problems or use non-traditional domain extensions such as “.infonet” or “.offer” Check and visit the About Us section if you’re new to the site.

2. Confirm the Author:

Conduct research to determine their credibility, such as whether they are genuine, have a solid reputation, are writing about their specialized field of expertise, and do they have a certain objective. Consider the motivation of the author.

3. Investigate Other Resources:

Are there any other credible news or media outlets covering the story? Is the story based on reputable sources? Professional worldwide news organizations have editorial guidelines and vast resources for fact-checking, so it’s a positive sign if they’re also covering the subject.

4. Keep a Critical Mindset:

A lot of fake news on social media is skilfully worded to elicit strong emotional responses such as fear or rage. Keep an open mind by asking yourself, “Why is this story being written?” Is it advocating for a specific cause or agenda? Is it attempting to get me to visit another website?

5. Check the Facts:

Reliable news will contain a large number of facts—data, statistics, expert quotes, and so on. Inquire as to why they are absent. Reports containing misinformation frequently include wrong dates or revised deadlines, so double-check the publication date. Is this new or old news?

6. Review Comments:

Even if the article or video is genuine, the comment below could be fake. Links and comments posted in response to articles are frequently generated by bots or people to insert false or misleading information.

7. Examine Your Own Beliefs:

Can your biases influence how you respond to your article? By proposing stories that fit your current browsing patterns, interests, and viewpoints, social media can create echo chambers. The more we read from various sources and perspectives, the more probable it is that we will reach accurate conclusions.

8. Check if it’s a joke:

Satirical websites are popular, and it can be difficult to tell whether a tale is a joke or a parody. Examine the website to see if it is known for producing satire or humorous stories.

9. Verify that the images are genuine:

Fake news on social media is based on believers reposting, retweeting, or otherwise disseminating false information. Images on social media may have been modified or distorted. Warping, where straight lines in the background appear wavy, as well as weird shadows, jagged edges, or skin tones that appear too flawless, are all possible symptoms.

Also, keep in mind that an image may be true but is being utilized in an incorrect context. To determine where an image originated and whether it has been altered, utilize a tool like Google’s reverse image search.

If you are unsure if an article is genuine or not, pause and reflect before spreading it. Use an antivirus solution like Kaspersky Total Security to help keep you secure online. It protects you from hackers, viruses, malware, and other online threats.

10. Use the fact-checking site:

Some of the most famous include:

Fake news on social media is spread by believers reposting, retweeting, or otherwise disseminating incorrect material. If you are unsure if an article is genuine or not, pause and reflect before spreading it. Use an antivirus solution like Kaspersky Total Security to help keep you secure online. It protects you from hackers, viruses, malware, and other online threats.