What is fake news?
You might have heard the term ‘fake news’ before. It means information that is not true, and it can be tricky to spot because it can look real.
Why does it matter?
When we believe something that isn’t true, it can affect our thoughts and actions. It can also spread false information to other people.
How can you tell if the news is real or fake?
There is a lot of fake news on the internet, so it’s ok to question things. Don’t rush to believe something without checking it first. Here’s how:
- Check if the news comes from a trusted source, such as a well-known website or newspaper. If it has come from a random website or social media account you have never heard of, that is a red flag.
- See if other reliable news sources are reporting the same information. If only one place is talking about it, and nobody else is, then that is another red flag.
- If it seems like they are trying to push a specific point of view without giving all the facts, that could be another red flag.
How to spot a fake photo or video
With AI-generated tools readily available and evolving rapidly, spotting fake images and videos is becoming much harder. But when in doubt, and with a little investigation, you can pick what is and isn’t real. Here’s how:
- Look at the source of the image. Are they reliable? If it has come from a random website or social media account you have never heard of, that is a red flag.
- Do a reverse search on Google Images to see where else the image has been used, and if there are similar images, look for alterations.
- Look carefully at the background – look for distortions in hands, teeth and text. Look for details that don’t fit the image's focus point.