How to spot fake news

By Jheyly Rojas

Fake news is everywhere on the internet, on social media, in gossip, and in general conversation, but it is especially prevalent in news articles. This type of misinformation causes physical and mental problems, conflicts, and sometimes even death. Misinformation not only confuses, but it also kills.

During health crises, fake news about dangerous home remedies has landed people in the hospital, demonstrating that a false headline can have real physical consequences. In society, this can be deadly. Furthermore, some people share gossip about celebrities online, which can generate threats and negative comments. The existence of fake news can generate distrust and insecurity due to false accusations.

To combat this crisis, organizations like FactCheck.org suggest that readers practice "lateral reading." Instead of relying on a single Facebook or TikTok post, users should open other tabs in their browser to check if reputable news outlets are reporting on the same thing.

It is also crucial to check the date of posts, as many fake news stories are simply old events taken out of context to generate fear or anger. To detect misinformation, it’s also necessary to check the author. If an article doesn't have a clear timeline, or if the website has an odd name that mimics a legitimate news source, the information is most likely unreliable.
If a headline seems too good to be true, it probably is.

"It's important to verify the source of information. For example, if you see something on TikTok, it might be true, but if you read it in a credible article, it's much easier to believe," said Wethersfield High School counselor Stepka.

Stepka also recommends using the school library's databases for reliable information. When searching online, it is crucial to check the website's domain, such as .org or .gov, to ensure the source is trustworthy.

Wethersfield High School student Alan Reyes shared a personal experience with misinformation.

"Sometimes, when I see relevant things on TikTok, I share them with my friends without thinking," Reyes said. He explained that he is now much more careful because he once shared rumors on social media about a friend that caused serious problems.

"Now I first try to verify that the source is accurate and valid," Reyes said.