A short pause before forwarding a dramatic headline
A surprising headline invites a quick reaction. Taking a short pause before forwarding it can prevent an old story, missing context or an unsupported claim from travelling further through your own network.
Open the original
Read beyond the screenshot or caption. Check who published the information, when it was published and whether the headline matches the body. An article about a proposal is different from a report that a change has already taken effect.
Look for the evidence
Follow links to the underlying document or statement where available. Search for independent reporting if the claim is important. A large number of shares is not a substitute for a source, and a familiar logo on an image does not prove the image came from that organisation.
Share uncertainty honestly
If you cannot verify a claim, avoid presenting it as settled fact. You can send a question privately or wait for better information. If you discover that something you shared was wrong, correct it in the same conversation. The habit is not about checking every harmless joke; it is about slowing down when a message could influence someone's money, safety or view of another person.
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