Media literacy
Before sharing a headline, read past it
A reader’s guide to context, sources and misleading screenshots.
A headline is an invitation
A headline selects an angle and leaves out detail. Before sharing it, read the full article and distinguish what has happened from what someone predicts or argues. An opinion piece and a report of a confirmed event serve different purposes.
Find the original
Screenshots remove dates, links and surrounding explanation. Search for the original publication or document, then compare the wording. Check whether an update or correction has changed the story since the screenshot was taken.
Ask what the evidence establishes
A single example does not prove a broad trend. A survey result depends on who was asked and how the question was framed. Look for the method and source, and avoid treating an unexplained number as a complete account.
Example: a product announcement
An announcement can confirm that a company plans a feature. It may not show that every user already has it. Check release timing, eligibility and whether the article describes a test, a launch or an aspiration.
FAQ: does repetition make a story reliable?
Several sites may repeat the same original claim. Look for independent reporting or a primary document, rather than counting copies. If the important evidence is missing, pause before sharing.
The takeaway
Share the original link and useful context instead of a cropped image. If you later discover an error, correct your own post visibly.
Prepared with AI assistance. General editorial information; verify product-specific details with the provider. Editorial standards
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