How to Spot Fake News Online: 7 Quick Checks Anyone Can Do
Seven practical checks, including the SIFT method, reverse image search and lateral reading, to tell whether a news story or viral post is trustworthy before you share it.
False and misleading stories spread fast because they are built to make you feel something: anger, fear or excitement. Fact-checking every post would take all day, so use these seven quick checks to catch most of the problems.
1. Stop before you share
If a headline makes you furious or delighted, pause. Strong emotion is the most common reason people share things they have not checked.
2. Investigate the source
Who published this? Search for the outlet’s name plus “about” or “reviews”. Look for an editorial team, a corrections policy and a record of reporting. Be wary of sites with no named authors or a name that imitates a known outlet.
3. Check the web address
Fake sites often copy a well-known name with small changes, such as an extra word, a different ending like “.co” or “.com.co”, or swapped letters. Compare the address to the real outlet’s.
4. Read beyond the headline
Headlines are written to attract clicks and often overstate the story. Open the article and check whether the details actually support the claim. Look for named sources, links to original documents and direct quotes.
5. Read laterally
Do not stay on the page and judge it by its own claims. Open a new tab and search for what others say about the source and the story. If a major event is real, several independent outlets will be reporting it.
6. Check the date and the image
- Date. Old stories get recirculated as if they were new. Check when the article was first published.
- Images and video. Use a reverse image search, such as Google Lens or TinEye, to find where a picture first appeared and whether it shows what the caption claims.
7. Trace claims to the original
Statistics, quotes and studies are often distorted as they are repeated. Find the original report or full video, and check whether the context was changed or left out.
The SIFT method in brief
| Step | Question to ask |
|---|---|
| Stop | Am I reacting emotionally? Do I know this source? |
| Investigate the source | What is the publisher’s track record and agenda? |
| Find better coverage | What do other trusted sources say? |
| Trace claims | What did the original source actually say? |
Fact-checking resources
- United States: FactCheck.org, PolitiFact and Snopes publish detailed checks on viral claims.
- United Kingdom: Full Fact is an independent charity that checks claims from politicians and social media.
- Australia: AAP FactCheck covers claims circulating in Australia.
- International: the fact-check teams at major wire services such as AFP and Reuters. Look for checkers that publish their methods and sources.
If you already shared something false
Delete or correct the post, and say why. Naming the mistake helps others who saw it, and it models good habits for your friends and family.
Frequently asked questions
What is the SIFT method?
SIFT is a four-step habit created by digital literacy educator Mike Caulfield: Stop, Investigate the source, Find better coverage, and Trace claims, quotes and media back to the original context.
Are fact-checking websites reliable?
Good ones show their sources and methods so you can check their work. Use them as a starting point, and look for several independent checks rather than relying on one.
How can I tell if an image is fake or out of context?
Run a reverse image search with Google Lens or TinEye. Old photos are often reposted as if they show a current event.
