Social media is where most of us turn to find out what is going on in the world. We scroll, we click, and we read a lot of stories daily. Some are fact, while others are not. So, how do we know what’s real and what’s not? Let’s discuss how you can use social media intelligently to seek out real news.
What Is Real News?
Actual news is honest information regarding something that is going on around us. It can be the weather, sports, schools, health, or something major happening worldwide. Actual news is reviewed and written by individuals known as reporters. Such individuals put a lot of effort to ensure that the facts are accurate.
But there are times that people tell untrue stories. They are referred to as fake news. Fake news can be used to frighten, deceive, or even amuse. That’s why one needs to know how to identify the difference.
Examine the Source
When you notice news on social media, the first thing to do is check who posted it. Is it a reputable news organization? Such as BBC, CNN, or your local news channel? Or is it some random page with a humorous name?
Real news tends to be from reputable sources. If you don’t know the source, beware. Attempt to find the same story on a major news site. If they aren’t reporting on it, the story may not be real.
Look at the Date
Sometimes, old news is posted again as if it just occurred. That can be confusing. Always look at the date on the post. Is it today or last year? Real news is typically about things that are happening now, not in the past.
Read the Whole Story
Many just read the headline. But headlines are tricky. They are constructed to grab your attention. In order to have the whole story, you have to read the entire thing.
The headline announces something big sometimes, but the article is about something smaller. So don’t just read to the top — take a minute and read the whole thing.
Be Aware of Intense Emotions
Some false news attempts to get you extremely angry or extremely frightened. If something makes you extremely angry immediately, pause and reflect. Actual news can be serious, but it doesn’t attempt to get people panicked. Ask yourself, “Does this sound a little too crazy to be true?”
See If Other People Are Talking About It
When something actually happens in the news, everyone discusses it. Look on other pages or websites to determine if they are publishing the same story. If just one location is discussing it, be cautious.
Even look up the story on Google or YouTube. If several reputable news websites are reporting the same, it’s likely true.
Avoid Being Sneaky With Pictures and Videos
Others share edited pictures or not-pictures-at-all. Even though something is on the Internet does not necessarily make it so.
There are resources such as Google Image Search where you can trace where an image originated from. If you find a photo to be present in numerous varied reports, then perhaps it’s not from what you’re currently reading.
Don’t Share Until You’re Sure
Take a moment to pause before you click the “share” button and ask, “Do I know this is true?” If you’re not confident, don’t share it. Sharing misinformation will confuse others and can even harm them.
Be the one to help others by sharing smart, real news — not whatever appears first on your feed.
Conclusion
Social media is fun and fast, but it’s also full of stories that can’t be trusted. That’s why it’s worth slowing down, taking a close look, and checking before you believe or share something. When you learn how to seek out real news, you keep yourself — and others — safe and informed.
So the next time you’re on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or anywhere else, remember: Be smart. Ask questions. And only trust the news that passes the test!