‘Wag kang papauto.

Strong ka ‘di ba? So, dapat pati sa pagkilatis ng balita especially now that the world is facing a global pandemic.

Ang sad kasi this novel coronavirus has brought unnecessary panic and fear to communities mostly because of false information circulating around social media.

But then, it can stop with you.

Na-fall ka man sa mga ito o hindi, it is better na alam mo how to spot fake reports before you hit that share button because it will help you save your loved one from taking actions that can put them to danger, pati na rin ikaw.

Game ka ba?

Here are tips to help you spot fake news.

Ikalma mo muna, friend.

‘Wag kasi padalos dalos kaya tayo napapahamak, eh.

Ang goal ng fake news is to make you believe that what you read is true by triggering your emotions kaya nakaka-grrrr, nakakatakot, or nakaka-worry.

Basahin mo ‘tong warning ni Editor-in-chief of PolitiFact, Angie Holan, in her interview Faux Real: How to Spot Fake News in NBC Chicago, “It’s a huge trend among false messaging that they are trying to get people upset so they share the message. So be very careful if you see anything that elicit that strong emotional reaction.”

Makes sense?

Tapos i-double check mo ‘yung source.

Saan ba ito galing?

Dahil kung totoo talaga ‘to, then it should have been posted to numerous reputable sources such as Department of Health or World Health Organization Philippines.

Sabi nga ni Arefa Cassoobhoy, MD, MPH in her article A Doctor’s Tips for Spotting Fake COVID-19 News in WebMD, “If you’re reading something that sounds different or contrary to what you’re seeing elsewhere, start digging.”

Dagdag tip: Please do not just read the headline. May iba na misleading ang headlines that’s why you have to read the whole article first para may context ka before you pass it to others.

Sinabi lang na top expert naniwala ka agad.

Sino ba ‘yang top expert na ‘yan bakit ayaw magpakilala?

Well, undisclosed names could be a sign that what you are reading is fake news, sabi ng Facebook Philippines in an article Straight from Facebook: How to spot fake news on coronavirus by ABS-CBN News.

Pati ‘yung line na, “scientific evidence proves that…” because according to Alice Hazelton in her article How to read the news like a scientist and avoid the COVID-19 ‘infodemic’ in The World Economic Forum, “Any good science journalist will endeavor to give you the most accurate representation of which way the evidence is swaying but would caution against making (that) statements.”

Isa pang line na sikat ngayon, “I’m not a virologist or epidemiologist but…” dahil sabi rin Alice, hindi naman porke’t scientist eligible na silang mag-comment dahil baka hindi naman sila nag-undergo ng training in that specific subject.

“Be aware of scientists in unrelated disciplines being elevated to positions of authority. Other questions to ask yourself are whether the quoted sources have a conflict of interest or stand to benefit in any way from what they’re saying. Are they affiliated with an organization that could be swaying them to comment one way or another?,” she added.

Gets mo?

Remember na hindi lahat ng tao capable of handling the weight of information thrown at them tapos malalaman mo fake pala.

Let’s be kind to one another by being a responsible netizen.

We want to know if these tips helped you! Submit mo na ‘yung comment mo below.

Kung kailangan mo ng prayers, just text 0999-227-1927 or call 8-737-0-777. The past few weeks has not been easy to digest but we’re here for you.

Check out How to Take Care of Your Mental Health During ECQ – 3 Tips baka makatulong sa ‘yo.

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