How To Spot Fake News

How to Spot Fake News: Simple Steps for Every Indian

1. Introduction: Why Fake News Is Fooling So Many of Us

Have you ever shared a shocking WhatsApp message without checking if it’s true? You’re not the only one; it happens to most of us. Every day, we see numerous messages on WhatsApp and Facebook claiming all sorts of things like:

Examples:

• “Urgent! Share this with everyone!”
• “Big news – this just happened!”

Most of the time, these are not true. They are fake news stories, messages that look real but are completely false. The worst part is they spread super fast because people believe them and share without checking.

But fake news isn’t just a harmless joke. It can:

• Create panic in families
• Spread wrong health advice
• Trigger unnecessary fights in society

That’s why it’s super important for ordinary people like us to know how to spot fake news before sharing it.

2. Why Do We Fall for Fake News So Easily?

Here’s the truth: Fake news is designed to trick your emotions.

• It uses big words like “shocking,” “unbelievable,” “secret leak”
• It targets your fear, anger, or sympathy
• It looks like it came from someone close to you

Many of us forward messages just because some we trust sent them. However, even your friends or family members might have forwarded it without verifying it. That’s how the cycle continues.

3. Three Simple Checks to Identify Fake News

1. Source Check – Did it come from a trusted Indian website?

Check where the news came from:

• Is it from an official Indian site like PIB, The Hindu, or Indian Express?
• Is the website ending in “.gov.in” or “.org” from Indian sources?

If it’s a random blog or a site you’ve never heard of, pause and verify before sharing.

2. Reverse Image Search – Is the photo real?

Fake news often uses old or unrelated photos. You can do a reverse image search in seconds:

• On Chrome: Right click → “Search image with Google”
• Or use Google Images → upload photo

You’ll quickly find where the photo came from and when it was first used.

3. Common Sense & Official Confirmation

If something sounds too crazy to be true, it probably is. Think logically:

• Would a serious government decision come only via WhatsApp?
• Is there any news channel or official Indian government app confirming this?

Check reliable Indian fact-checkers like:
🔗 PIB Fact Check
🔗 Alt News

They bust fake news with solid proof.

4. How to Stop Forwarding Fake News on WhatsApp & Facebook

You may think, “What’s the harm in forwarding?” But remember: you’re passing a lie to 10 more people.

Here’s what you can do:

• Don’t forward immediately – wait & verify
• If you’re not sure, simply don’t share
• Gently tell friends or family

“Let’s share only verified news. It’s better for everyone.”

5. Daily Habits to Stay Safe from Fake News

• Take 5 seconds before you believe any big claim
• Read real Indian news apps (like The Hindu, Indian Express, or local trusted papers) once a day
• Learn to say “I’m not sure if that’s true – let me check”
• Bookmark 1-2 Indian fact-checking sites
• Encourage people around you to follow the same habits

These simple habits protect you from being misled and also help others stay informed.

6. Conclusion: It’s Our Responsibility to Think Before Sharing

Fake news isn’t just a tech issue. It’s a people issue.
Each time you forward something blindly, it could:

• Create fear
• Hurt someone’s image
• Confuse the public

So take 5 seconds to check. Be the person who says, “Wait – is this even true?” Because that small step can stop the chain of lies.

Be smart. Be kind. Be careful what you share.

Written by Padmasri

For more thoughtful articles by Padmasri, click here