In an era of uncertainty, reliable information is essential—and “fake news” even more destructive. Journalist Steven Knipp shares his tips for separating hard facts from dangerous fiction

The entire planet has fallen under the curse of COVID-19, bringing with it immense suffering to people and societies around the globe. But another dangerous socially-transmitted infection has spread just as fast as this vicious virus—and it will last long after COVID-19 has been vanquished, deliberately dispersing fear and anger. I’m talking about “fake news.” 

Beloved by Donald Trump, embraced by demigods and dictators, with the help of thousands of for-hire hackers, the treacherous power that phony stories have to twist the truth has spread virtually everywhere.

A recent Ipsos survey of more than 25,000 internet users in 25 countries revealed that nearly 90% of people polled had fallen for fake news at least once—and nearly 50% admitted to having “frequently” been fooled by fake news on social media.

The added danger here is that when smart, decent people fall for fake news, they will frequently re-send it to family and friends. And, because that phony narrative comes from a totally trusted source, it then appears even more credible to the people receiving it.

As a journalist for over 25 years, I’ve spent my career separating hard facts from clever lies, half-truths, fake stats, and political and corporate BS. I can still recall, as a junior reporter, being told by my wonderfully hard-nosed New York editor: “Listen kid, if your mother says she loves you: CHECK IT OUT!”

Non-journalist friends have often asked me, how do you spot fake news? Actually, it’s not difficult—once you know what to look for. The signs are all right there. It’s a bit like sex appeal: difficult to describe, but you know it when you see it!

Here are my four easy steps to spot fake news:

1. Who said it?
Whenever you read something infuriating or shocking on the internet—check that story’s source. If no person is quoted by name and the so-called news item begins: “It has been reported…” or “Sources say that…” there’s a 100% chance you’re seeing fake news. Genuine journalism will always mention their sources by name and include background details about that person.

2. When and where did it happen?
If there’s no date on an alleged event or a precise location (i.e “Massive British cruise ship sinks in Atlantic Ocean”) this is another red flag that you (and your emotions) are being monkeyed with.

3. Why hasn’t anyone else reported it? 
If what you’re reading is amazing or infuriating, yet it’s not reported anywhere else, that’s a guaranteed tip-off that your brain’s being ripped off. If this was a genuine story, all the major news agencies and newspapers would already be on it like hot butter on popcorn. 

4. Is that photo real? 
Most fake news comes with cleverly faked photos. But again, once you know what to look for, they’re usually easy to spot. Amazing photos with no photo credits are almost always Photoshopped, or stolen from genuine news sites and used to portray a made-up event not related to that photo. To quickly identify stolen photos, copy the doubtful image and paste it into Google Image Search. Within seconds, the photo’s original site/purpose will pop up.  

QUIZ: Here’s a quick, easy (and fun) experiment to sharpen your skills in spotting fake photos. Which of the below images, if any, are real?

1. A Great White Shark attacks a wind-surfer

2. Pilot selfie at 30,000 feet

3. Doomed September 11, 2001 tourist 

4. Crocodile victims in Australia

5. Is it real or is it a painting?

Answers

1. Great White Shark — FAKE!
This is a pretty clever Photoshopped image of two different photos.  

2. Pilot selfie at 30,000 feet — FAKE!
Another impressive blend of two photos. In reality, when travelling at 550 miles per hour, not only would that selfie stick be ripped out of the pilot’s arm, his arm itself would likely be snapped off at the shoulder. 

3. Doomed September 11 2001 tourist — FAKE!
Perhaps the most infamous fake of the last 20 years, this photo contains lots of red flags. The aircraft shown approaching the “doomed tourist” is different from the actual hijacked aircraft that crashed into the World Trade Center towers and is also approaching from the wrong angle. But most obviously wrong is the fact that fateful late summer day was wonderfully warm. So why would a tourist be decked out in full winter gear?

4. Crocodile victims in Australia — REAL
Both the sign noting dangerous crocodiles and the three tourists are real. But none of them has lost a leg. To add humour to the photo, the photographer (yours truly) simply asked the gents to bend their legs up, out of sight from the camera.

5. Is it a painting, or is it real — REAL
In this photo, it appears that passers-by are starring at a massive poster, but this is an optical illusion. The tele-photo I used compresses space—in fact, the cruise ships shown are actually a great distance from the tourists in Grand Cayman.