In today’s world, information spreads faster than ever before. While this has led to incredible access to knowledge and news, it has also created the perfect environment for misinformation to flourish. False information—whether it’s about health, politics, or current events—can have serious consequences. It can lead to poor decisions, increase distrust in media and authorities, and even divide societies.

Fortunately, there are ways to reduce the spread of misinformation, and it all starts with critical thinking. Here are four situations where it’s especially important to pause and think twice before believing and sharing information.

1. When You Don’t Know the Source

One of the first red flags of potential misinformation is when the source of the content is unclear or unfamiliar. If you’re not sure whether the source is trustworthy, it’s essential to double-check the information before sharing it. Ask yourself: Can I verify this from a reliable outlet? If not, take a moment to do some research. There are plenty of reputable news sites and fact-checking organizations that can help you confirm whether the information is credible.

Even if a story sounds convincing, it’s better to ensure it comes from a reliable source before it spreads further.

2. When the Information Makes You Emotional

We’ve all encountered content online that sparks a strong emotional response—whether it makes you angry, scared, or outraged. Misinformation is often designed to provoke these reactions, because when people feel emotionally charged, they’re less likely to think critically. In these moments, it’s crucial to pause before sharing.

Instead of reacting immediately, take a deep breath and ask yourself: Is this trying to manipulate my emotions? If so, try to find more information about the topic from unbiased sources. Holding off on sharing until you’ve verified the facts can stop misinformation from spreading.

3. When It Aligns with Your Existing Beliefs

We all have a natural tendency to believe information that supports what we already think. This is called confirmation bias, and it can make us more susceptible to misinformation. No matter how good we are at thinking critically, we’re all more likely to accept content that aligns with our views without questioning its accuracy.

When you come across information that fits your beliefs perfectly, that’s the time to be extra critical. Ask yourself: Could this be too good to be true? By taking a step back and being skeptical of information that reinforces your preconceptions, you can help prevent the spread of falsehoods.

4. When Someone Stands to Gain

Sometimes, misinformation isn’t just an accident—it’s intentionally spread for profit. Whether it’s clickbait articles designed to drive ad revenue or misleading claims meant to sell products, there are plenty of people who stand to benefit financially from your engagement.

When you see information that seems suspicious, consider who might profit from it. Ask yourself: Is someone trying to make money or gain influence from me sharing this? Being aware of these motivations can help you filter out content that’s designed to deceive.

Conclusion

Misinformation can have real, harmful effects on our decisions and our society. But by being more mindful about the content we share—especially in these four key situations—we can all play a part in reducing its spread. Remember, it’s okay to pause, fact-check, and reconsider before hitting “share.” By doing so, you help create a more informed and united world.

Let’s all do our part in promoting the truth—because we are united by sharing facts.