Is That News Real? How to Spot Disinformation

Keeping up with updated world news is harder than ever. The speed of information can be overwhelming, and errors spread like wildfire. How can you be sure you’re getting the real story and not just the latest viral misinformation?

I remember a particularly chaotic week last fall. Our public relations firm, “Atlanta Media Partners,” was managing communications for a local non-profit, “Families First of Metro Atlanta,” that provides resources for underprivileged families in the Atlanta area. We were preparing for their annual fundraising gala at the Georgia Aquarium when a story broke alleging financial mismanagement within the organization. The story, initially published on a website called “Atlanta Truth Now” (which, I quickly discovered, had zero contact information and a very questionable design), quickly gained traction on social media.

The headline was inflammatory: “Families First CEO Caught Misusing Funds for Lavish Personal Expenses!” The article cited “anonymous sources” and included blurry photos that supposedly showed the CEO, Sarah Jenkins, at expensive restaurants in Buckhead. Panic set in. Donors started calling, sponsors threatened to pull out, and the gala was in jeopardy. Sarah was, understandably, distraught. She vehemently denied the allegations, and I believed her. I’d worked with her for years and knew her integrity.

My first instinct was to issue a statement denouncing the article as libelous. But I knew that would only amplify the story. Instead, we went into fact-finding mode. We needed to understand how this “news” had spread so quickly. What we discovered was a network of fake accounts and bot activity pushing the story across various social media platforms. The “Atlanta Truth Now” website had been registered anonymously just a few weeks prior, and its content was clearly designed to damage Families First’s reputation.

Confirmation bias plays a huge role in how quickly misinformation spreads. People are more likely to believe and share information that confirms their existing beliefs, even if that information is false. This is especially true in the realm of politics and social issues. According to a 2023 Pew Research Center study many Americans get their news from social media, where unreliable sources often thrive. This echo chamber effect can make it difficult to discern what’s real from what’s fake.

One of the biggest mistakes people make when consuming updated world news is failing to verify the source. Anyone can create a website and publish “news,” but not all sources are created equal. Look for established news organizations with a reputation for accuracy and journalistic integrity. Check the website’s “About Us” page to learn more about the organization’s mission, ownership, and editorial policies. Does the site have a clear corrections policy? Is it transparent about its funding sources? These are all important indicators of credibility.

We also contacted the Associated Press (AP) to see if they could investigate the allegations and publish a factual report. Thankfully, they agreed. Two days later, the AP released a story debunking the “Atlanta Truth Now” article and highlighting the evidence of a coordinated disinformation campaign. According to the AP report the original article contained fabricated quotes and manipulated images. The AP’s involvement was a turning point. The fake story quickly lost steam, and Families First was able to proceed with its gala.

Emotional manipulation is another common tactic used to spread misinformation. Headlines that are designed to provoke anger, fear, or outrage are often a red flag. Be wary of stories that rely on sensationalism or that present complex issues in simplistic terms. Take a step back and ask yourself: Is this story trying to inform me, or is it trying to manipulate me? If it’s the latter, be very skeptical.

I’ve noticed a disturbing trend in recent years: the rise of “deepfakes.” These are videos and audio recordings that have been manipulated to make it appear as if someone is saying or doing something they never did. Deepfakes are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making it harder to distinguish them from reality. Always be skeptical of videos and audio recordings, especially if they seem too good (or too bad) to be true. Look for signs of manipulation, such as unnatural lip movements or inconsistencies in the audio. If in doubt, consult a fact-checking organization like Reuters.

Another mistake I see often? People sharing articles without actually reading them! A shocking number of people only read the headline and then share the story on social media. This is a recipe for disaster. Headlines can be misleading or sensationalized, and they often don’t tell the whole story. Always read the entire article before sharing it, and make sure you understand the context.

Here’s what nobody tells you about the news: algorithms are designed to show you what you want to see. Social media platforms and search engines use algorithms to personalize your news feed based on your past behavior. This can create a “filter bubble,” where you’re only exposed to information that confirms your existing beliefs. To break out of this filter bubble, make a conscious effort to escape social media’s echo chamber, make a conscious effort to seek out diverse perspectives and sources of information. Follow news organizations with different political viewpoints, and read articles from different countries and cultures.

In the Families First case, the disinformation campaign was traced back to a disgruntled former employee who had been fired for misconduct. He had hired a cheap online service to create the fake website and spread the false story. We were able to identify him through digital forensics and provide the evidence to law enforcement. He was eventually charged with defamation and cyberstalking under O.C.G.A. Section 16-11-37.

What can you do to avoid falling victim to misinformation? First, be skeptical. Don’t believe everything you read, especially online. Second, verify the source. Is it a reputable news organization? Does it have a clear corrections policy? Third, read the entire article before sharing it. Fourth, be aware of your own biases. Are you more likely to believe information that confirms your existing beliefs? Fifth, seek out diverse perspectives and sources of information.

We also implemented a social media monitoring strategy for Families First, using tools like Brand24, to track mentions of the organization and identify potential threats early on. This allowed us to respond quickly to any false or misleading information and protect the organization’s reputation.

The Families First incident taught me a valuable lesson: in the age of disinformation, vigilance is paramount. We all have a responsibility to be critical consumers of information and to avoid spreading false or misleading stories. It’s not always easy, but it’s essential for maintaining a healthy democracy and a well-informed society.

The saga had a happy ending. Families First not only survived the crisis but emerged stronger. The gala was a success, raising even more money than in previous years. Sarah Jenkins’ reputation remained intact, and the organization continued to serve the Atlanta community with distinction.

Being a savvy consumer of news in 2026 demands constant vigilance. Don’t let sensational headlines or emotionally charged narratives cloud your judgment. Develop a habit of cross-referencing information and always questioning the source. The next time you see a shocking news story, resist the urge to share it immediately. Instead, take a few minutes to verify the facts. Your critical thinking can help stop the spread of misinformation.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember you can develop smart news habits for a complex world.

So, what’s the biggest takeaway? Don’t just consume updated world news passively. Engage with it critically. Question everything. Verify everything. Your ability to discern fact from fiction is more important now than ever.