Learn to Identify Fake News

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Learn to Identify Fake News

Someone you know sent it to you via Whatsapp. You look at the message and something just doesn't fit. This situation happens to us very often. Fake news spreads fast and... it is increasingly difficult to recognize them!

For this reason, you have to be alert to distinguish them and prevent inaccurate or even malicious information from continuing to spread.

Be wary if you receive news with these characteristics:

1.Links from suspicious blogs or websites. Be careful! A news article should have a source and be endorsed by a recognized media or news outlet, an entity or a company. Behind anonymity, it is easy to tell falsehoods.

2. Yellow press. If the headline say exaggerations or it is written in such a dramatic way that it could be a soap opera, it could be a lie and a way to hook the person to open the link.

3. Highly emotional tone. The article seeks to move strong emotions from the reader. Some seek to generate anguish or even anger so that people will share them without questioning the underlying message. Stop! Use your mind and think rationally.

4. It lacks evidence. Serious news should be backed by data, reliable studies, experts in a relevant field.

5. Watch out for the author. You can research the name of the media or the author to validate if it is reliable. If there is no author, it is one more reason to be suspicious.

Remember to read all the news with a critical eye and #ThinkTwice before spreading this type of news.

 

 

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