How to spot an online hoax

The next time an acquaintance shares a shocking article on social media, prompting an almost instant flurry of scandalized comments and polarizing debates, step back for a moment to consider what you’re reading. Hoaxes, rumors and other fake news stories travel at the speed of light these days, so it’s important to think critically before you react.

The source
The first thing to do when you read an article with a sensationalized headline (i.e. “clickbait”) is to check if the information is corroborated by a credible source (a trusted news organization, for example). If no recognizable news outlet has covered the story, chances are it’s made up or, at the very least, somewhat embellished.

The format
Also pay attention to the way the information is presented. Written material that contains spelling and grammar mistakes, overuses capital letters or punctuation, or includes lots of superlatives should be taken with a grain of salt, as should shocking photos, incredible statistics or quotes from “experts” who may benefit personally from the propagation of the story.

Always remember that real journalists who work for credible media organizations are held to a high ethical standard. They must rigorously fact-check their sources and, most of all, remain objective in their coverage.

Why create hoaxes?
Hoaxes have been around forever, and are often created purely to mislead the public. They’re sometimes used to harm a particular person or organization, or to spread controversial ideologies. In the digital realm, some hoax creators do it to gain more clicks and views, driving up advertising revenue for their website.