Before sharing an urgent headline, readers can ask several basic questions.
Who reported it?
A recognizable news organization, government agency, police department, court, or other authoritative institution may provide stronger evidence than an anonymous social-media account.
When was the information published?
A post from several hours ago may look new when it is reposted. Always check the original publication time.
Does the headline contain specific information?
A credible breaking-news report will usually identify what happened, where it happened, and what is known so far.
A headline that simply says “BREAKING NEWS — YOU WON’T BELIEVE WHAT JUST HAPPENED” provides emotion but very little useful information.
Are other reliable sources reporting the same thing?
Independent confirmation can help determine whether a claim is genuine or merely circulating online.
