How to Check Information Before Sharing It

News reaches us faster than we can read it. A claim can feel true because it uses confident language or came from a friend. Checking does not mean doubting everything; it means giving an important claim one careful minute before helping it travel.

Separate the claim from the feeling

Write the testable sentence: who did what, when and where? Dramatic headlines often mix opinion with reporting. Once the claim is clear, your search becomes clearer and you are less likely to argue about an image that says something else.

Find the first source

Look for the original organisation, document or statement. Do not rely on a screenshot or a reposting account. Open the link, check its date and context, and make sure an old headline has not been presented as new.

Compare independent sources

• Did two independent outlets report it, or did they copy the same sentence?
• Does the source show evidence and correct mistakes?
• Are there checkable details such as a report number or official link?
• Does the image belong to the event? Try a reverse-image search when unsure.

Notice urgency language

“Share before it is deleted” is not evidence. Scammers and rumour accounts want to remove your thinking time. Pause before signing in, paying money or forwarding a message, and verify through the official channel.

When you cannot verify it

Say that the claim is unconfirmed, or do not share it. Admitting that you do not know is safer than spreading a number or accusation that could hurt someone. Keep the link if you need to revisit it, and remember that deleting a post does not always erase copies.

Bottom line: One minute with the source, date and independent comparisons can prevent hours of correction. Calm thinking is a digital skill too.