Headlines, images, social media teasers, and other content can be used directly or inadvertently to promote false news, support or legitimize misinformation, and feed conspiracy theories.
So how can you spot news when it’s fake?
Stop, Reflect and Verify.
Practice evaluation skills and develop a critical mindset. Don’t just look at what a web page tells you about itself. Instead, do a web search and find out what others are saying about them. This will help you determine the accuracy of the information.
Here is what to look for:
1. The News Authority
Who is the author and where did the item originate? Check on the individual, company or institution, to see where their biases (personal inclinations/favouritisms) are. Is the author’s name listed? What are the credentials that make them an expert in the topic?
If you are uncertain, verify the information you see on verified or trusted platforms. You can also explore AfricaCheck, PesaCheck, PigaFirimbi, AFPCheck, and StopReflectVerify among other fact-checking platforms that can help debunk false news.
2. Accuracy of the News
Information that is accurate and free from errors is considered more reliable. One or two typos are ok but information that is presented in a sloppy manner with too many spelling or grammatical mistakes comes across as unprofessional. Are there links to other resources to back up the claims one source is making? For statistical references and data check where they come from. Numbers can be easily changed and manipulated to show personal opinions. Fact and opinion are different.
3. Objectivity
Check to see if the information is presented with the least amount of prejudice or personal bias. Is it an opinion or is it trying to sell you something?
4. Timeliness
When was the information first published? Is the content you are looking at up-to-date, or is the website updated regularly, or is it something that is old and made to look like new information?
5. Platforms
You should be suspicious of the content you read, including audio, text and videos. Today, social media platforms like TikTok, YouTube and Instagram are as active or popular in sharing false news as Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp.