Avoiding misinformation and fake news
Misinformation spreads quickly online and can be hard to spot — especially when stories look real or make strong emotional claims. Learning to recognise reliable sources and check information before sharing helps protect you and others from false or misleading content.
How to spot fake news
- Check whether the source is reliable - trusted organisations like the BBC, NHS or gov.uk usually publish verified information.
- Ask whether the story is overly emotional or dramatic - misinformation often tries to provoke a strong reaction.
- Be cautious if a piece urges you to share it quickly - this is a common tactic to spread falsehoods.
- Look to see if the same story appears on multiple reputable sites - if real, it’s likely reported more than once.
- Tip: If something sounds shocking or too good (or bad) to be true, take a moment to fact-check before you click, believe or share.
Tools and sites to help you check information
- Full Fact independent fact‑checking charity - checks claims circulating in the news and on social media, with practical explanations and fact checks.
- Snopes myth and misinformation debunking site - long-standing resource that investigates rumours, fake stories and viral claims.
- BBC Verify fact‑checking service - UK-focused fact checks and analysis of current news and claims.
Be responsible and think before you post
Sharing information online comes with responsibility. Passing on false or misleading stories, even unintentionally, can cause confusion, anxiety or harm to others.
Before sharing posts, links or screenshots, it’s worth taking a moment to check whether the information comes from a trusted source and is accurate.
Each of us plays a part in how information spreads online, and choosing not to share something uncertain is one of the simplest ways to be responsible and protect others.
Being thoughtful about what you share helps create a safer, more trustworthy online space for everyone.
