Check then Share

Fake news, alternative facts, and spin are filling our social media spaces. Does it matter? Misinformation influences our opinions even when we don't think it does, and it takes up valuable space that could be used for real news or funny cats! You might also be 'liking' a page that is just gathering likes and shares to increase advertising on the page.

Be part of the solution by checking before sharing on social media. Tips for "Check then Share":

• Who has created the post? Is it an opinion from someone you actually know or have they copied or shared something from someone else's page?  
• Does the post include facts that sound shocking or extraordinary or make you feel upset? Check the facts before you respond.
• Check for possible scams or hoaxes on www.snopes.com
• Check the facts stated on US news stories on www.factcheck.org/
• Read the news on a page that includes several sources as well as links to fact-checking articles, for example, Google News https://news.google.co.uk/

If you find that your friends have posted scams, fake news or emotive misinformation, don't share, but let them know.