There are specific tips you can follow to test the validity of the source to confirm the truth about the information provided online.

The first thing you should after stumbling upon a suspicious headline

After stumbling upon a shady and suspicious headline, before blindly believing and clicking on it, research about the same headline via Google search. Examine the resulting links that follow to check its reliability and debunking of it. Websites such as Snopes.com and Reported.ly help debunk and expose fake content on the internet.

What else can you do to confirm the legitimacy of content

Numerous websites claim to be legitimate websites and offer false informative content. Tend to check the site’s information, sources, credit, and accreditation under it’s, “about” button. Reliable and legitimate sources will have external links citing valid sources of information, recognized certification. Moreover, false sites will possess grammatical errors and spelling mistakes.

Conduct a background check of who wrote the article

You can conduct necessary background checks of the writer of the material on social media platforms and other search results about the author.  Such results either confirm the legitimacy of the author or debunk him. Bear in mind; the author is valid if he or she possesses a blue tick across their name in social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

How prevalent is false information across the internet

There are numerous lies and misinformation about various topics on the internet. It is better to check its legitimacy and validity of sources before taking in such information. Journalists and other professionals work very hard to debunk such misinformation, as the number of lies on the internet is beyond the true ones.

The release of misinformation can be dangerous

New channels often mistake the reliability and validity of sources of information provided to them and publication of such false content on local broadcasting networks. For example, misinformation about individuals released on the air can cause significant damage and confusion.

What about viral videos and photos shared

Do not blindly believe any viral photo or video shared on any social media platform. Instead, to confirm it, copy or drag the image or video to Google search engine, and verify its validity and reliability. Today, many footages and pictures from the past are circulated under new captions about relevant topics happening today.