How to spot misinformation before you share it

Most false claims spread not because people believe them deeply, but because sharing takes one tap and checking takes a minute. These seven checks take about that minute.

1. Pause when you feel a strong reaction

Anger, fear and delight are what false posts are designed to provoke. A strong emotional pull is a reason to check before you share, not a reason to share faster.

2. Ask who is behind it

Is there a named publisher or author you can look up? Does the web address imitate a known outlet with an extra word or an odd ending? A screenshot of a “news report” with no link is not a source.

3. Read beyond the headline

Headlines and captions are often stretched far beyond what the story — or the study, or the official order — actually says. Open it and find the line that supports the claim.

4. Check the date

Old photos and videos are recycled during every flood, riot and election. Look for the original date of the post, the article or the event shown.

5. Search the picture

A reverse image search shows where else a photo has appeared and when. If it was online years ago, or in another country, the new caption is wrong.

6. Read laterally

Instead of studying the post for clues, open new tabs: what do other reliable outlets, official sources or fact-checkers say? This is lateral reading, and professional fact-checkers rely on it. Government decisions are published on official websites and in the Gazette; if an “official order” appears nowhere official, be suspicious.

7. Be careful with AI-made images, audio and video

A deepfake can look and sound real, and detection tools are unreliable. Rather than hunting for glitches, ask where the clip first appeared and whether a credible source stands behind it.

If you shared something false

Delete it, and say so to the people you sent it to — a correction reaches some of the same people. We do the same: when we get something wrong we correct it openly; see our corrections policy. You can also send us a claim to check through the help centre.

More: How we fact-check · Misinformation · All guides