Misinformation Analysis

A checklist for deconstructing fake news and protecting your Taha Hinengaro.

Part 1: Emotional Gut Check

Strong Emotional Language Does the headline or text use words designed to make you feel angry, scared, or overly excited? (e.g., "outrageous," "shocking," "miracle cure").

Part 2: Source Check

Anonymous or Fake Expert Does it quote a "scientist" or "doctor" without giving their full name and workplace? Is the source of the information vague? (e.g., "sources say," "a study has shown").
Unfamiliar Source Is the website or account well-known and trusted, or is it something you've never heard of before? (e.g., "yourdailyfacts.co" vs. a major news outlet).

Part 3: Content Check

"Us vs. Them" Language Does it try to blame a specific group of people for a problem? Does it create a sense of division or conflict?
Looks Unprofessional Are there lots of spelling mistakes, bad grammar, or excessive use of capital letters and exclamation marks?
No Links or Evidence Does it make big claims without linking to any proof or original sources?