We live in a world where information spreads faster than ever. A single tweet, headline, or video can influence millions within minutes. But with that speed comes a new responsibility: the duty to pause, reflect, and verify before you click “share.”
Not everything that comes across your screen deserves to be passed on. Truth is rarely loud. Lies, on the other hand, often scream with urgency and outrage. If you’re someone who values truth, mental clarity, and social responsibility, here are six questions you should ask before sharing any news:
1. Who is behind the news?
Is it a reputable media organisation, a personal blog, a satirical website, or an anonymous page? Knowing the source helps you assess credibility.
2. What is the objective of the platform?
Every media outlet has a goal — whether it’s to inform, persuade, entertain, or provoke. Understanding their goals helps you interpret the message more clearly.
3. Who is funding the news?
We often access news freely, forgetting the cost behind its creation — and who’s paying for it. Thinking about this can help you reflect before sharing the news. Look into who backs the platform or publication. Is it an independent source or funded by political or commercial interests that could skew the story? Remember: Money talks.
4. What kind of emotions does this news often evoke?
Does the source tend to make you feel angry, fearful, outraged, or hopeless? Emotionally charged content is often designed to bypass critical thinking.
5. How was the information gathered?
Was it based on eyewitness accounts, verified recordings, live coverage, or secondhand reports? The closer the source is to the original event, the more reliable it tends to be.
6. Is it verifiable, balanced, and free from sensationalism?
Can the claims be checked across multiple trusted sources? Are these sources simply republishing the news or investing into investigation? Does it give room for context, opposing views, or nuance — or is it just trying to stir the pot?
Why This Matters
As a Hugger, you’re part of the 1% who embrace a lifestyle rooted in truth, wellness, and connection. Spreading misinformation damages trust, weakens mental clarity, and fuels unnecessary anxiety in communities. But when you pause to verify before you share? That’s leadership. That’s love. That’s clarity.
Don’t let fake news break relationships, unity, peace, or progress. Support free and fair journalism – and let your voice bring light.
You don’t have to post first. Just post right.
