Digital communication has become an integral part of our lives. With the convenience of quick information, one shouldn’t believe everything one reads. Social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.) has democratised the sharing of information and views. Anyone, anywhere, can capture and report events and express their views or share content, not just to their list of contacts but to the entire world.

Here are some reasons why you shouldn’t blindly transfer the trust you have in newspapers, radio, and television news to Social Media content.

• Anyone can say anything on social media, which is not necessarily true. They cannot be held responsible as there is no tangible accountability. Fake accounts are created simply to speak anonymously.
• Some posts do not reveal an entire story. Only sensational bits of the story are put together and presented. These half-truths can be dangerous. 
• Images cannot be trusted. They can be edited to make them sensational. 
• People rarely check facts before forwarding. 

All this should not undermine the benefits of social media; just be cautious while consuming the content from various platforms. 

• Always check the source – Official sources that have shared credible information in the past are the best to follow. 
• Check the spellings within an article – If there are too many errors, the authenticity of the source should be checked. 
• Corroborate information from other sources – Don’t just believe a single source, unless it has proven itself to be true, time and again, in the past.
• Check the network of followers for the source of content – This will give you an idea about its credibility. 
• Trust experts on a subject – Sources that have deeper interests in issues are more likely to post trustworthy information. 
• Check how old the account in question is – Recently created accounts that post sensational information should make you wary.

Everyone has a responsibility to combat fake news. The best way to verify a piece of information is to do your own research. Seek advice from those you trust, and then make up your own mind.