Fact-checking is one of the most powerful tools for protecting communities from false information. At its core, fact-checking is simply the process of verifying whether a claim is true, misleading, exaggerated, or false.
The first step in fact-checking is to clearly identify the claim. For example, someone may post that fuel prices have doubled overnight or that a certain polling station has been moved. Before reacting, it is important to isolate exactly what is being claimed.
The next step is to trace the original source. Many false stories are reposted several times, making it difficult to know where they started. A screenshot shared in a WhatsApp group may actually come from an unverified Facebook page or an old post taken out of context.
In Zambia, many misleading governance-related claims circulate during periods of political debate. A statement about a law, public spending, or local development project may be widely shared without any official reference. In these situations, checking government websites, public statements, or credible media sources becomes essential.
Fact-checking also requires comparing information across multiple sources. If a major claim is true, it is likely that other trusted platforms will also be reporting it.
Images and videos should also be checked carefully. Across Nigeria, Kenya, and Zimbabwe, many election-related falsehoods have involved reused videos from previous events or even from other countries entirely. A video showing unrest in one country may be falsely labelled as happening in Lusaka or Harare.
One simple but powerful fact-checking habit is to check the date. Sometimes genuine news stories from previous years are reshared as if they are current. During elections, this tactic is often used to reignite fear or anger.
Fact-checking does not need to be highly technical. It starts with everyday habits: asking questions, checking sources, verifying dates, and refusing to share information until it is confirmed.
At Dikoding Deception, this is exactly the culture we want to build — a community of responsible internet users who do not simply consume information, but actively question it and use it to demand accountability.
Techniques to Spot Misleading Content Effectively
1. Check the Source
- What to do: Verify the origin of the content. Is it from a trusted news outlet, government site, or credible organization? Avoid anonymous social media posts without sources.
- Tools:
- Media Bias/Fact Check – checks media credibility
- Official government websites or institutional platforms
2. Read Beyond Headlines
- What to do: Sensational headlines often exaggerate or misrepresent facts. Always read the full story to understand the context.
- Example: A headline saying “Election cancelled!” may be misleading if the article only reports a delayed polling station in one district.
- Tools:
- Reverse headline search on Google
- Snopes or Africa Check for trending stories
3. Verify Images and Videos
- What to do: Images or videos may be altered or used out of context. Check if the visual content matches the claimed time and place.
- Tools:
- Google Reverse Image Search
- TinEye – find original images
- InVID – verify videos
4. Cross-Check Facts
- What to do: Look for multiple credible sources confirming the same information. Misinformation often appears in isolation.
- Tools:
- Africa Check – fact-check African news
- FactCheck.org
- Official social media handles of government or institutions
5. Question the Motive
- What to do: Ask why the content exists. Is it trying to sell something, push a political agenda, or create panic?
- Example: Viral WhatsApp messages claiming “Vote for X or risk chaos” are designed to provoke fear rather than inform.
- Tools:
- Media literacy guides (UNESCO, Dikoding Deception resources)
- Content analysis tools like CrowdTangle
6. Watch for Emotions
- What to do: Misinformation often targets emotions like anger, fear, or sympathy to make people share content without checking.
- Example: A manipulated video showing violence in one city but labelled as another can spark panic.
- Tools:
- Awareness campaigns and community media literacy programs
- Training from fact-checking organizations like Dikoding Deception
7. Use Verification Tools
CrowdTangle – track trending social media posts
Browser extensions & apps to help check content quickly:
NewsGuard – credibility rating for websites
Botometer – check for automated/misleading social media accounts