Social media is a wonderful way to keep up with family, friends, and the world. Many South Africans over 55 use Facebook and WhatsApp daily to stay connected. But along with the good, there’s a downside – fake news and misleading links are everywhere.
Scammers and tricksters share stories that look real but are designed to confuse you, spread false information, or steal your personal details. The good news is, with a few simple steps, you can learn how to spot what’s fake and avoid the traps.
Why do people create fake news?
• To scare people – making them believe something terrible has happened.
• To trick people – some posts lead to fake websites that steal personal details.
• To earn money – each time someone clicks on their link, they make a little money.
It’s not always easy to tell what’s true. But if you pause and check before sharing, you can protect yourself and others.
Check the source
Before you believe a story, look at where it came from.
• Is it from a well-known, trusted news site? For example, News24 or TimesLIVE, or YEI?
• Is the page name strange or unfamiliar? Fake sites often have odd names like “World News Fast” or “Breaking Now SA”.
If you’ve never heard of the source, be careful.
Look at the headline carefully
Fake news often uses dramatic headlines like:
• “You won’t believe what happened next!”
• “Shocking news! Click NOW!”
If it sounds over the top or unbelievable, it probably is. Real news doesn’t use so many exclamation marks or emotional words.
Check the date
Sometimes old news stories are shared again to make them look new. Always scroll down and see when it was published. If it’s years old, it’s probably not relevant anymore.
Look for spelling mistakes
Fake news posts often have poor grammar, spelling errors, or strange wording. Trusted news sources usually don’t make these mistakes.
Don’t click on strange links
You may see links that promise prizes, competitions, or shocking stories.
• Before clicking, look at the link carefully. Fake links often have extra letters or spelling mistakes, like www.takealot-free.co.za instead of www.takealot.co.za.
• If you’re unsure, open Google and search for the news yourself. If it’s real, you’ll find it on proper news websites.
Check the photo
Scammers sometimes use old photos or pictures from another country and pretend it’s new. You can:
• Search the photo on Google to see where it really came from.
• Ask yourself: Does the photo look real, or could it be edited?
Don’t believe everything you see in WhatsApp groups
Family and friends often forward things without checking. If you get a shocking message in a group:
• Pause and ask yourself: Does this make sense?
• Search online to see if it’s true before forwarding it.
• If you’re unsure, don’t share it. It’s better to be safe.
Trust your instincts
If something feels wrong or unbelievable, it probably is. Take a moment to double-check before reacting or sharing.
Quick ways to check if news is real
• Search the headline on Google – if it’s real, you’ll find it on more than one trusted site.
• Look for official statements – government departments, banks, and big companies post updates on their official websites or social media pages.
• Ask someone you trust – family members or friends can help check.
A final word
Fake news spreads fast, especially on Facebook and WhatsApp. By taking a little time to check before you believe or share, you help protect yourself and those you care about.
Remember:
• Always check where the news came from.
• Think twice before clicking on any link.
• When in doubt, don’t share it.
Social media can be a wonderful way to stay informed and connected – but only when you use it wisely. Stay curious, stay safe, and always double-check before you believe everything you see online.
A YEI article written by YEI’s Social Media Expert
