Step 5
How to Do Quality Fact-Checking
In a world where news and social media are everywhere, it’s important to figure out what's real and what's not. Sometimes, people spread false information—on purpose or by mistake—and it can lead to big problems. Whether you're scrolling through TikTok or reading the latest posts on Instagram, learning how to fact-check can help you stay informed and make smart decisions. Below are some simple steps to help you on your fact-checking journey.
Tasks
Task no.1
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Badge 5: Fact-Checking Skills
Task 1: Read through the following part carefully.
After that, continue to Task 2 and answer the five questions in your own words.
Once you have written your answers, revisit the material below to check whether your understanding matches what was explained.
1. Ask Questions First
Don't Believe Everything Right Away. Whenever you see a surprising headline or an outrageous story, pause and ask yourself:
Who posted this? Are they trustworthy or known for rumors?
Why might they be sharing this? Is there a hidden motive (like trying to sell a product or push an opinion)?
Has this been reported by other reliable sources?
By getting curious, you can avoid falling for clickbait or shocking headlines.
2. Look at More Than One Source
Cross-Check Information. If you see a story about a local event, try to find other places talking about it, such as local newspapers or well-known websites. The more sources saying the same thing, the more likely it's correct.
If it's a big news event, major media outlets usually cover it.
If only one small blog or random social media account is talking about it, it might be suspicious.
3. Check the Author's Background
Is This Person or Group Trustworthy?
Credentials: Does the writer have experience in the topic? For example, if it's about health, are they a doctor or a health expert?
Mission: Some websites openly say they want to push a certain opinion. That's fine, but you should know about it before believing everything they say.
4. Use Fact-Checking Websites and Tools
Ask the Internet for Help. There are websites made just for busting fake news, like Snopes or PolitiFact. If you spot a suspicious story, search it there to see if anyone has already researched it.
Try Searching: Copy the headline and paste it into a search engine. Add words like "fact check" or "hoax" to see if it's been debunked.
AI Tools: Some people use AI chatbots (like ChatGPT) to get quick summaries or to check if something sounds off. This can be helpful, but remember that AI can also make mistakes. Use it as a starting point, not the final word.
5. Check the Date and Context
Old News Can Reappear. Sometimes old stories come back and people act like they're new. Make sure the article's date matches the event you're reading about.
If a post is a few years old, things might have changed.
If it's related to a place or culture you're not familiar with, remember that context matters. What's normal in one country might be very different in another.
6. Practice "Lateral Reading"
Open Multiple Tabs. Instead of sticking to one webpage or social media post, open new tabs to see who wrote it, what others say about it, and if there's any background info. This is called lateral reading—like reading sideways rather than just top to bottom.
If a website claims something big, look up the organization behind it. Do other sources confirm it?
7. Look for Logical Sense
Does It Add Up? Read carefully and see if the claims make sense:
Is there evidence? Or is it all opinions with zero facts?
Is the writing extremely emotional or dramatic? Sometimes, fake news tries to make you angry or scared so you won't question it.
8. Make Fact-Checking Fun
Turn It Into a Game:
Challenge your friends: Whoever finds a false story or spots a fake headline first wins.
Work in teams to see how fast you can uncover the truth about something that sounds suspicious.
This way, you train yourself to be a detective of truth instead of just a news consumer.
9. Discuss with Others
Two (or More) Heads Are Better Than One. Talking about what you find is a great way to make sure you haven't missed anything:
Share your process: Show your friends where you looked for information.
Listen to their views: They might have sources or knowledge you don't.
10. Learn from Mistakes
Nobody's Perfect. Even the best fact-checkers slip up sometimes. If you find out later that you believed or shared something false, that's okay—just be open about it and learn how to do better next time. Apologizing and correcting the record helps build trust among your friends or followers.
Conclusion
Fact-checking isn't about being overly skeptical of everything; it's about being responsible and informed. By slowing down, asking questions, and using the tools around you, you'll be less likely to spread fake news. This skill will serve you not only online but in all areas of life—helping you make smarter decisions and engage in more honest, constructive conversations.
Task 2: Answer the following questions in your own words
What are the key questions you should ask yourself before believing a surprising headline or story?
Why is it important to cross-check information using multiple sources, and what should make you suspicious?
How can fact-checking websites and AI tools help you identify fake news, and what are their limitations?
What is "lateral reading" and how does it help you verify information more effectively?
Why is it important to discuss information with others and learn from your fact-checking mistakes?
Once you are done, check if your answers align with the text provided in Task 1.
If all is clear, you've earned the badge and can continue with the next badge!
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