Nine people died of coronavirus in Breda hospital. That message was previously distributed by the Twitter account @coronanederland. fake news. Just like a message sent around via WhatsApp stating that drinking warm water helps against the virus. That way you don’t fall for fake news.
Please note: the situation surrounding the coronavirus changes daily. For the most up-to-date information, visit the RIVM website.
1. Check where the message is coming from
Do you see a message on social media? For example on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram? These are places where fake news is often and quickly spread. Be extra critical of these messages.
2. Check the sender
People who spread fake news often do so with fake accounts. Do you see a message on social media and do you doubt its authenticity? Click through to the account that spread the message. Official profiles of famous people, journalists and media companies often have a blue check mark next to their names. This means that they have created the profile themselves: the profile can be trusted. (see photo below for the blue check mark of the RIVM)
3. Check the website
Fake news often looks suspiciously like real news. Do you see a message on Twitter and are you redirected to an unknown website where the news is? Search that website for a page like ‘disclaimer’ or ‘about us’. In it you can see who is behind the website. This is often unknown with fake news. If such a page does not exist, then it is better not to trust the message.
4. Check the source
Fake messages often contain a source that is also made up. An eyewitness or an investigation, for example. Check the source in a search engine, for example Google, if you doubt the authenticity of the message.
5. Check other sites
Do you only see a news item on Facebook, Twitter or WhatsApp? Then you can doubt the authenticity. Just to be sure, search for a few keywords from the message via Google and check whether the news can also be seen on other websites.
A fake message about the coronavirus spread via WhatsApp.
6. Check Photos and Videos
Photos and videos from fake messages can evoke strong emotions in the viewer. The maker would like the message to be shared as much as possible and therefore responds to the emotion. You can save a photo and upload it to Google Images, for example. Then you can see where else the photo can be found on the internet. A photo may be part of a completely different story.
7. Consume news through trusted sites
If you want to be sure of correct information about the coronavirus, only consult reliable authorities and well-known media companies. For example, we recommend the website of the RIVM. Click here to go to the current information about the coronavirus.
Finally: never share a message on social media of which the sender is unknown. This also applies to messages forwarded via WhatsApp. Always remain critical and go through this checklist just to be sure. Fake news can be very dangerous, especially when it comes to health issues.
Fake news spread via fake account @coronanederland.
Source: central government
