Track down the truth TRICKED
Learning to spot what’s real and what’s rubbish in the news can reduce anxiety. Check before you share
Research released on 29 March by Ofcom, the organisation that oversees TV, radio and the internet in the UK, said that more than one third of internet users didn’t know that online content might be untrue. Knowing when truth is twisted online on video-sharing platforms (used by 95% of three to 17-year-olds according to Ofcom’s research), such as YouTube and TikTok, is an important skill to develop. It can boost your wellbeing, too.
What is fake news? Fake news covers “disinformation” (fake stories deliberately created to mislead and confuse people) and “misinformation” (fake stories shared accidentally). Fake news can include images. An image can be fake because it’s computer-generated (a “deepfake”) or because it’s described incorrectly – for example, photos claiming to show the war in Ukraine that were actually taken years ago, in a different country.
How do I spot fake news?
The first question to ask is, “How does the story make you feel?”, advises Joseph O’Leary from Full Fact, a charity that checks news reports are accurate. O’Leary suggests asking “How do they know that?” of the person who’s shared the story. There should be a source named or, if it’s an image or video, a logo for a news organisation. Once you know the source, think about whether they’re reliable. Asking “Does this sound likely?” is also helpful. If trusted websites such as the BBC are not reporting it, that’s a bad sign, says O’Leary.
Why does this matter?
Fake and inaccurate news can lead to confusion and anxiety. None of us wants to be tricked. Fake news can make people less likely to believe real news. This is important because news helps people to make informed choices, like whether to have a Covid-19 vaccination or who to vote for in an election. In Russia, the media cannot tell the truth that President Putin has started a war with Ukraine; news sites are forced to lie and say it’s a “special military operation”. Many people think that if more Russians knew the truth they would protest against Putin.
Ghislaine Bombusa works for Internet Matters, which offers online safety advice. Her tips to spot fake news are:
Before sharing news online, check that the information is true. Spreading information that isn’t true can lead to the facts getting lost.
Check what else the author has written. Can you find their story on reliable news sites? If not, talk to a trusted adult before sharing.