SivisFive questions to ask before you share: fighting misinformation
How to check a news story, claim or image in a few minutes before sharing it.
Why misinformation spreads fast
False information is usually more surprising, more enraging or more frightening than the truth, and that makes people want to share it. A pause of a few seconds is the difference between spreading a claim and stopping it.
1. Who is the source?
Who said it first? A news outlet, an official body, an unknown account? Be wary of nameless sources like “experts warn”. If you cannot find the same information in two independent, reliable sources, waiting is a good choice.
2. When?
Old stories circulate as new. Check the date, and use image search tools to see when a photo or video first appeared. Footage of an event from years ago can be shared as if it happened today.
3–5. Evidence, motive and emotion
Third: where is the evidence? If no figure, document or statement is shown, the claim is weak. Fourth: who gains from this content? Clicks, sales or a political aim are the most common reasons for misleading headlines. Fifth: does it trigger a strong emotion in you? Anger and fear weaken critical thinking — which is exactly why misinformation uses them.
Verification tools
Independent fact-checking organisations investigate claims in many countries; searching for a claim is often enough. For images use reverse image search, and for official statements go to the institution’s own website first.
If you must share something you are unsure about, labelling it “unverified” is always better than presenting it as fact.
FAQ
I realised I shared something false. What now?
Delete it and, if you can, share the correction. Admitting a mistake does not reduce your credibility; it increases it.
How can I tell if an image is old?
Upload it to a reverse image search tool; it will show where and when it was published before.
Can misinformation be reported on Sivis?
You can report content that breaks the rules from the message menu. Fraud and forged-document content intended to cause harm is also rejected before publication.
Related Articles
- One stage, one voice: why only a single message at a time?
- Why messages fade: permanence versus the passing moment
- The World Arena: whose voice travels furthest?
- Seven rules for protecting your identity when posting anonymously
- How to write a short sentence people remember
- How content moderation works on Sivis
- Digital footprint: why the internet does not forget
- Cyberbullying and harassment: what to do when you see it or face it
- Anonymity and responsibility: the good and bad of speaking without a name