[Komando Community]

When I browse my timeline, I often find people sharing health and fitness related stories that I know are obviously false. But I don’t always catch a fake story before I share it with my followers! What’s the best technique you use to figure out fake news?

[BetaGary]

I run it by snopes.com, factcheck.org, hoax-slayer.com, whoishostingthis.com, or other hoax checking sites, snopes being the most popular. I wish more people would do this instead of just hitting the share button, although I must admit, I’ve shared a few, myself before checking them out.

[Komando Community]

Most links have a display url, you can Google that url before sharing.

[Ol Gramps]

And it’s not just health and fitness. I usually say that I saw it on Facebook so I know it’s not true. lol

[Ol Gramps]

Maybe that answer was a little flippant. But I see Facebook as entertainment and consider the source. Other sites are similar.
I really do expect faked videos, photos, and posts that are for aimed to deceive or get laughs or views.
One thing to look for is the original date of the original post. So many people repost stuff way out of date without comment. I know people are quick to jump around and post anything, but it is a pet peeve of mine and I suspect even the missing children and pet posts that are rampant.
It really annoys me to see such dubious posts as Facebook is going to start charging or posting something can keep rights to pictures, etc.
If it is a political post, no doubt the post comes from someone who advocates a position. So maybe it is an exaggeration, a misquote or out of context, or downright false. I just don’t take news from Facebook. And also try to consider the source of all news sites. It seems journalism today comes as advocacy rather than investigation regardless of position. It’s a shame that we don’t have real discussion and debate instead. New ideas and advances come from discourse and consensus. Instead, we have bashing and accusation. 😥😥😥

[Jake Russo]

To verify a story’s legitimacy, I usually just check if a lot of other outlets, preferably of varying political persuasions, are reporting it and if they’ve independently sourced or verified it. Beyond that, I don’t know any other sure-fire way to spot fake news.

[Author]

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