With AI-generated images and viral posts everywhere, telling true from false is a survival skill. Here’s a quick mental checklist to run before you believe or share anything.
Table of contents
Open Table of contents
Check the source first
Who published this? A known outlet, or a page you’ve never heard of? Anonymous or look-alike accounts (slightly misspelled names) are a red flag. No credible source usually means no credible story.
Read past the headline
Headlines are written to make you click and react. The actual article often says something more nuanced — or contradicts the headline entirely. Read before reacting.
Look for the date
Old stories get recycled as if they’re new, especially during a crisis. Check when it was actually published before assuming it’s current.
Verify with a second source
If something is real and important, more than one credible outlet will report it. If only one obscure site has the “shocking” story, be very suspicious.
Be skeptical of images and video
AI can now fake photos and clips convincingly. A reverse image search can reveal if a “new” image is actually old or doctored.
Pause before sharing
The strongest defence is simply slowing down. Misinformation thrives on emotional, instant sharing. If a post makes you angry or scared, that’s exactly when to stop and verify. Protecting your judgment online pairs well with protecting your privacy.