When a major story unfolds, news spreads faster than ever. Social media, online news sites, and even personal accounts start posting updates within minutes. According to the Pew Research Center, 67% of adults now get at least part of their news from social media, and that number keeps rising each year. But the rush to share information often means that not everything being shared is true. In these moments, readers play a major role in slowing down the spread of false or misleading news.
Why accuracy matters in the first few hours
During breaking events, many details remain unclear, and early reports can often be wrong. For instance, Reuters reported that in the first 24 hours of major global news stories, over 30% of early social media claims are later corrected or deleted. Newsrooms do their best to update and verify facts, but false claims can spread widely before corrections appear.
That is why it becomes important for readers to pause before believing or sharing anything. Taking a few seconds to question where the information came from can stop the spread of confusion.
· Step one: check who is reporting it
The first question to ask is: Who shared this news first? Readers should always look at the source. Is it a trusted news outlet, or just an anonymous social media account? Credible outlets have editors, rules, and public accountability. They issue corrections if they make errors.
A study by the Reuters Institute found that people are three times more likely to trust information that comes from established outlets than from social platforms. This trust is built because reputable journalists confirm information through verified witnesses or official statements. On the other hand, social media accounts often post without fact-checking.
· Step two: look for supporting evidence
Every real piece of news has some form of proof. That could be an official statement, a video from the scene, or multiple eyewitness accounts that match. When readers see claims without evidence, they should pause. Asking simple questions like “Where did this come from?” or “Can anyone else confirm this?” helps filter unreliable content.
For example, if a video claims to show a major event, check the date and location tags. Sometimes, old or unrelated clips are reposted to stir emotion or clicks. According to MIT study, false news on Twitter spreads six times faster than verified reports, mostly because it triggers strong emotions rather than presenting real proof.
· Step three: compare multiple outlets
No single source can tell the full story during a breaking event. Comparing coverage from several newsrooms gives a wider picture. If five major outlets report similar details, chances are the information is accurate. But if one lone post makes bold claims that no one else confirms, that’s a red flag.
BBC News recommends that readers “cross-check every key update with at least two other independent sources.” This habit not only strengthens understanding but also prevents panic that often follows one-sided reporting.
· Step four: watch out for emotional wording
Headlines written to shock or anger people are often misleading. Emotional words are used to attract attention, not to share facts. Trusted journalists focus on accuracy instead of excitement. So, when readers notice exaggerated or dramatic language, it’s worth questioning the intent behind it.
Research from Columbia Journalism Review showed that posts with emotional language receive 70% more shares but are also twice as likely to contain false or incomplete information. Recognising this helps readers avoid reacting to posts that are designed to mislead.
· Step five: check for corrections and updates
In fast-changing stories, details often shift. A reliable source will update their report as new information comes in. Readers should return to the same story after a few hours to see if it has been corrected or expanded. Most reputable outlets clearly label updates or corrections, which shows they value truth over speed.
The reader’s role in truth-sharing
Information spreads through people, not just platforms. Each person has a small but important role in keeping truth alive during breaking events. Taking time to think before sharing can slow false information from reaching others. Sharing only verified updates supports good journalism and helps maintain trust in media.
The same Pew Research Center survey found that 56% of people who double-check news before sharing feel more confident about what they read online. This small habit can make a big difference during fast-moving situations.
Final thoughts
In moments of crisis or breaking news, truth is the first thing that can get lost. Readers who pause, question, and compare are the ones who help protect it. They don’t need special tools or deep knowledge of media. They just need curiosity, patience, and care for what others might believe.
