Fake news: fact-checking in three reflexes

False info often travels faster than the truth, because it's more shocking. With AI churning out text and images at scale, sorting it out is a muscle worth training. The good news: a few reflexes are enough.

Where does it come from?

Look for the original source, not the account that reshared it. Info picked up by several serious outlets is more reliable than an anonymous post. If you can't find any credible source, treat the info as doubtful.

Is it playing on your emotions?

Content that suddenly makes you angry or outraged is often trying to make you react fast. That's exactly the moment to slow down and check. Sharing in the heat of emotion plays right into the hands of those manipulating you.