Media Literacy Guide
Learn how to spot misinformation on your own. These 8 practical steps will help you become a more critical and informed news consumer.
01.Check the Source
Is it from a reputable news outlet? Look for an 'About Us' page, editorial standards, and contact information.
02.Read Beyond the Headline
Headlines grab attention. Always read the full article — the body often contradicts or adds nuance to clickbait.
03.Check the Author
Search the author's name. Are they a real journalist with published work? Anonymous articles deserve scrutiny.
04.Look for Supporting Sources
Credible news cites official sources, data, or experts. Zero sources or only opinion blogs? Be cautious.
05.Check the Date
Old articles resurface to mislead. Verify whether the story is current and relevant to today.
06.Reverse Image Search
Photos can be taken out of context. Use Google Reverse Image Search or TinEye to find the original.
07.Check Your Own Bias
We believe stories that confirm what we think. Would you question this claim equally from another perspective?
08.Use Fact-Check Sites
Cross-reference with Snopes, PolitiFact, FactCheck.org, AFP Fact Check, Full Fact, and others.
Ready to put these skills to use?
Try our AI fact-checker to analyze any news article, or report suspicious content for community review.