A practical checklist for checking viral posts, videos and screenshots.

Why this matters

A dramatic post can travel through WhatsApp groups before anyone checks whether it is true. Pause before forwarding it. Identify the original claim, who first published it and what evidence is offered.

What to understand

Check the date, location and context. An old photograph can be shared as if it shows a new event. Search for the exact wording of a claim and compare reports from independent, credible outlets.

Practical steps

For images, examine signs of cropping and look for earlier appearances using reverse-image search. For videos, check landmarks, language, weather and whether the clip has been edited. These clues are not proof on their own.

What to do next

If a claim concerns health, safety or public policy, consult the responsible authority and reliable specialists. If you cannot verify it, say so. Do not repeat an allegation as a fact simply because many accounts posted it.

Key takeaway

Use reliable information, check details independently and seek qualified professional help when a decision involves legal, financial, medical or personal safety risks.