How to spot fake news on social media platforms
Anyone who believes all the content shared on social media is genuine is badly mistaken. One can’t argue with the fact that social media is a real eye-opener, but in some ways, it can be very misleading. However, the blame does not fall on social media but on those who put up incorrect information using their video calling apps. But equally responsible are those who carelessly share content without first checking if it’s authentic. NEEO Messenger is an online chat app with a find friends near me feature that helps you connect with other NEEO users near and far. Social media platforms have empowered many users the world over. But some people, with malicious intent, use social media to defame others.
And at times we unknowingly play a part in helping such people succeed. It is, therefore, imperative that you check every bit of information thoroughly before you pass it on. Enjoy free crystal-clear audio and instant video calling with your friends and family anytime anywhere in the world. Video calling app is a great opportunity to see and talk with your loved one. Listed below are some of the ways you can distinguish between genuine and fake news:
- Take a minute to analyze:
Whenever you come across a piece of news that seems too shocking to absorb, don’t absorb it! Avoid giving an instant emotional reaction to any bit of news before you validate it. If it isn’t something of great importance to you just skip it and move ahead. If you feel the urge to forward this piece of information then do some research and check if it’s true. View every bit of news you find with a hint of skepticism.
- Check the names of the author and publisher:
Spelling mistakes and other grammatical errors are often an indication of the content being fake. People who create fake news might even use the name of popular companies sometimes. At first glance, the title might seem real but when you look closely you’ll be able to tell there’s something wrong with the company logo. Also always check the name and backgrounds of the publisher and author. Don’t believe what you see before checking the source, even if the information is coming from someone you know quite well.
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- Go through different forms of media:
When you see a shocking piece of news check to see which other platforms are reporting a similar story. Use your video calling app to share the news with people you know and inquire if they’ve heard similar news. But always add your question with the content so they know why you’re sharing it. If well-known television channels share similar news then you can tell the news is real.
- Look for evidence close to home:
Sometimes people spread false rumors out of jealousy and resentment. If, for instance, you hear that a widow from your neighborhood is having an affair with someone else’s husband, don’t believe such news right away. Whether you know the lady personally or not, you should not judge her based on a rumor. Use NEEO’s find friends near me feature to find other app users in the vicinity. Talk to different people and hear their views regarding the matter. But avoid becoming a part of the vicious gossip groups that only harbor hatred and resentment.
- Don’t believe everything you see:
With the advancement in technology, it’s easy for fraudsters to superimpose images and edit pictures. If they have a grudge against someone they can easily take their pictures from social media and misuse them. Paparazzi don’t even have to go through the trouble of editing pictures. With their expertise, they can make an innocent hug between friends look like a sleazy affair. Famous people, including celebrities and political leaders, are often targeted by social media fraudsters. They are often paid to create a negative image of a specific celebrity.
When you walk down the street having a conversation with yourself, people look at you funny. The irony of this situation is that everyone talks to themselves all day long. You just don’t verbalize this dialogue, so it isn’t heard by others. The conversation takes place in your head, and you call it “thinking”.
- Go by your initial instincts:
One of the most obvious ways of checking whether or not a piece of news is accurate is by going with your instinct. If, for instance, you get news that one of your favorite political leaders is part of some scandal. Your immediate reaction to the news will tell you whether or not the news is worth believing. Similarly, if you get a message that a popular but expensive food brand, is giving away gift hampers to all its customers, you can right away tell that it’s a scam.
Our gut instincts are not always as random as they seem. They can be based on a rapid appraisal of the situation. We might not always realize it, but the brain is constantly comparing our current situation with our memories of previous situations. So when a decision feels intuitive, it might in fact be based on years of experience.
Whenever you see a piece of news that seems doubtful, take some time out to do research and check the facts. Passing on inaccurate information about someone could cost them their dignity or even their lives. Think ten times before you tap on the ‘share’ option. NEEO Messenger is a video calling app that helps users make free-of-cost audio and video calls to other NEEO users, in any part of the world. It also has a find friends near me if you’re looking for someone to talk to close to home. With Neeo nearby feature find the awesome people in your area. The easiest way to find and make new friends in your area with just a single click. With Neeo nearby feature find the awesome people in your area. All of the above and much more is done in a seamless manner to ensure quality with better services.