Who is publishing, and who is speaking?
A headline may appear in a screenshot without the name of the outlet that published it. Before reacting, find the original page and identify the author, organisation and date. If the story cites a study or statement, distinguish the reporting outlet from the underlying source. A publication repeating another publication does not provide independent confirmation merely by existing. Start by reconstructing that route.
Is the date about the event or the publication?
An old story can recirculate as though it describes something that has just happened. Compare the publication date with time references in the text. There may also be updates about earlier events. Do not assume an image labelled today was produced that day. When you cannot locate the original date, treat that gap as relevant information rather than filling it with an assumption.
Does the headline match the content?
Read beyond the opening paragraph. Identify the subject of each claim: is it an observed result, hypothesis, opinion or promise? A relationship between variables does not automatically demonstrate that one caused the other. A quotation may be incomplete. When comparing headline and text, ask which conditions, limits or uncertainties disappeared from the shorter version. Those details can completely change the interpretation.
What confirmation can I find?
Find the original document where available and compare the story with sources that have done their own reporting. Two texts using identical words may rely on the same agency or press release. Different web addresses do not guarantee different evidence. Nor must you resolve everything alone. If a claim needs specialist knowledge you lack, suspend judgement and seek an explanation that presents its methods and limits.
Do I really need to share it now?
Emotional urgency can push us to spread information before understanding it. Try writing one neutral sentence about what you know and another about what remains unknown. If all you can do is repeat the headline, it may be too soon to amplify the message. When sharing, include the original link and necessary context. If you later discover an error, correct it visibly. The final practical question is whether your sharing helps someone understand or merely accelerates circulation.
