Social media is a wild place. One moment you’re scrolling through memes, the next you’re knee-deep in conspiracy theories about how the moon landing was faked (spoiler: it wasn’t).
The rise of misinformation has made it harder than ever to figure out what’s real and what’s not, especially with the growing influence of artificial intelligence. AI-generated content has made it easier for false information to spread quickly, with some bots designed specifically to churn out fake news and misleading articles.
As Paul reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 5:21, we should “test everything and hold fast to what is good.” Just as we test teachings against Scripture, we should test news sources against credible evidence.
So, how does one test the news? We’ve got your back. Here’s how you can cut through the noise and be an informed, savvy social media user who doesn’t fall for fake news.
1. Check the Source
First things first: where is the information coming from? The internet is full of sketchy websites and shady news outlets that can look legitimate at first glance. Before you share that jaw-dropping piece of news, check the credibility of the source. Is it a well-known outlet with a history of accurate reporting? Or is it some random blog with a clickbait title? Established sources like Reuters and the Associated Press have a reputation to maintain, which means they’re generally trustworthy.
Red flag: If a story is coming from a website you’ve never heard of, it’s worth a deeper look. Search the outlet’s name followed by the word “credible” or “reliable” to see what others are saying about it. If multiple fact-checking websites have flagged it for spreading misinformation, you’ve got your answer.
2. Watch Out for Clickbait Headlines
Clickbait is designed to get clicks—plain and simple. It thrives on sensationalism and often over-exaggerates the truth (or completely distorts it). If a headline sounds too crazy to be true, there’s a good chance it is.
A good way to test this out is to think about how the headline makes you feel. Is it sparking anger, fear or outrage? Misinformation tends to play on your emotions to get you to click and share without thinking twice.
Pro tip: Always read past the headline. Don’t take the bait—clicking on a story and reading it carefully will give you a better sense of whether it’s legit. Plus, sharing a story based on just the headline is a rookie move.
3. Investigate the Author
The author of the article can tell you a lot about the credibility of the information. Do they have a bio that explains their background and expertise? If an article about vaccines is written by someone with no medical or scientific background, that’s a huge red flag. A legitimate journalist or expert will usually have credentials listed, along with previous work you can verify.
Red flag: If the article doesn’t have an author, or if the author’s bio seems vague or unrelated to the topic, it’s worth questioning their authority to speak on the subject. This isn’t an automatic disqualification, but it can help you gain a sense of the person’s own bias on the situation.
4. Cross-Check with Other Sources
One of the easiest ways to spot misinformation is to see if the same story is being reported by multiple credible outlets. If only one website is covering a major event, that’s pretty suspicious. Newsworthy events usually get picked up by several media outlets, so if you see the same story across different sources, it’s more likely to be true.
Pro tip: If the story feels important, take the time to look it up on a trusted national or international news site. You can also use fact-checking websites like Snopes or FactCheck.org to see if the story has been debunked.
We’re reminded in Proverbs 18:17 that “The first to present his case seems right, till another comes forward and questions him.” Seeking multiple perspectives helps us uncover the truth and avoid being misled.
5. Analyze the Visuals
Unfortunately, we’ve reached the stage of the Internet where misinformation doesn’t stop at fake headlines—often, misleading images and videos are used to back up false claims. A photo or video can be edited or taken out of context to make it look like something it’s not. Reverse image search tools like Google Images or TinEye allow you to check where an image first appeared and see if it’s been reused or manipulated.
Pro tip: Look for visual clues that something’s off. Does the photo look overly dramatic or grainy? Are there strange watermarks or captions that don’t match the context? And if you’re watching a video, does the audio line up with the visual content? Misinformation thrives on altered media, so don’t take it at face value. AI has made this even more difficult to spot, which means you should be spending extra time figuring out what’s real and what’s fake.
6. Check the Date
You’d be surprised how many people share outdated articles or news stories, mistaking them for current events. Before you hit that share button, check the publish date. A story from three years ago about a natural disaster or political scandal is probably not that relevant today — especially considering how quickly things can change — but when it’s shared without context, it can still spark panic or outrage.
Red flag: If the story feels off or irrelevant to the current situation, the date could explain why. Always make sure what you’re sharing is timely and accurate.
7. Look for Bias
Everyone has an opinion, but some news outlets have a clear bias that influences how they report stories. This doesn’t automatically mean the information is false, but it does mean that it could be slanted or one-sided. Take note of the language used—is it overly dramatic or leaning heavily in one political direction? If so, the outlet may have an agenda that’s clouding the truth.
Pro tip: When it comes to controversial topics, try to find articles from different viewpoints. Reading multiple perspectives helps you get a more balanced understanding of the issue.
8. Be Skeptical of Viral Posts
Just because something has gone viral doesn’t make it true. Social media algorithms prioritize content that gets a lot of engagement, meaning that viral posts are often the ones that provoke the strongest reactions, whether they’re true or not. This is why misinformation can spread so quickly—it’s designed to get people talking, liking, and sharing.
Red flag: If you see a post that’s blowing up, but the claims seem outrageous or unsupported by evidence, it’s a good idea to pause before adding to the chaos.
9. Trust Your Gut
Finally, trust your instincts. If something feels off about a post, it probably is. Critical thinking is your best defense against misinformation. Before you like, share, or comment, ask yourself a few questions: Does this seem credible? Where is this information coming from? Have I seen it reported anywhere else?
It’s okay to be skeptical and even take a step back before reacting. The internet thrives on knee-jerk responses, but being a little more thoughtful can go a long way in avoiding the spread of fake news.
So, Why Should You Care?
In a world where information is constantly at your fingertips, it’s more important than ever to be an informed, thoughtful user of social media. As Christians, we are called to be seekers of truth and light in a world filled with misinformation and deception. By taking a few extra steps to verify what you see and read, you can help stop the spread of lies and live out a biblical command to walk in truth.
Stay sharp, question everything, and always double-check your facts—you’ll be better equipped to navigate the online world with wisdom, integrity, and faith.
