SMART Check: Think Before Believing Or Forwarding Anything
The SMART Check method is another simple and effective way to judge whether information you come across online can be trusted. It helps you slow down and think before believing or forwarding anything.
The word SMART stands for five key steps: Source, Motivation, Accuracy, Review, and Timeliness. Each one reminds you to look at a different side of the information, just like turning a coin to see both faces before deciding its value.
S for Source
Always ask where the information comes from. Who wrote it, posted it, or created it? Are they known for giving reliable facts, or are they just a random page trying to get attention?
For example, if you see a message about a new government rule, check if it’s shared by an official account or a verified media outlet. Avoid trusting screenshots or unverified forwards. Real information can always be traced back to a credible source.
M for Motivation
Try to understand why the content was made. Is it trying to inform, entertain, sell, or influence your opinion? Many times, messages that go viral are not about truth but about emotions.
For instance, a post that makes you angry or fearful might have been created to get more shares or push a political agenda. Understanding the motive behind a post helps you judge its reliability.
A for Accuracy
Look for facts, numbers, and links. Do other trustworthy platforms report the same thing? If not, there’s a chance it could be fake or exaggerated.
For example, if someone claims a celebrity donated a huge amount to charity, see if that news is covered by well-known outlets or appears on the celebrity’s official page. Fake stories often have spelling errors, dramatic headlines, or missing evidence.
The fourth step is Review. This means checking what other people or fact-checkers are saying about the same topic. A quick online search using keywords along with words like “fact check” can help you find verified reports. You can also visit fact-checking websites like Fact Crescendo, Alt News, or BOOM Live to confirm.
T for Timeliness
Information changes fast, and sometimes old news gets reshared as if it’s new. Always check the date of the post or the event it mentions.
For example, a video of a flood or protest from years ago might circulate again during a current event, misleading people.
The SMART Check method is easy to remember and use. By following these five simple steps, you can protect yourself from misinformation and make sure what you share online is true and responsible.
