How to check online information before you share it
A repeatable process for tracing claims, dates, sources, and missing context.
A polished post can still be wrong. Before sharing a surprising claim, slow down and look for its origin. A few minutes of checking often reveals whether the post quotes a source accurately or repeats an older story without context.
Find the original claim
Look for the primary document, dataset, official announcement, or full interview behind a screenshot. Search for distinctive wording and the named organization. A repost is evidence that a claim circulated, not evidence that the claim is true.
Check the date and scope
Ask when the event happened, when the page was published, and whether the claim concerns one city, one study, or an entire population. A correct number can mislead when its timeframe or denominator is missing.
Compare independent sources
See whether another credible source reached the same conclusion using its own reporting or evidence. If several pages copy the same unverified post, they do not provide independent confirmation.
State what remains uncertain
If you cannot verify a detail, say so or wait to share it. A useful summary distinguishes what the source directly shows from what you infer. This habit matters especially for fast-changing technology news and AI product claims.