So, you recently came across a nice post, video, or picture. Maybe someone shared it with you on WhatsApp or Facebook or TikTok.

You think it’s worth sharing with the world. Should you share it with the world? Or not?

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Sharing Is Caring! You're an EXPERT at sharing the right information!   Here's a quick 7-step checklist, although you've already mastered it. Share it and fight misinformation.   And here are some additional tips.
Take It To Your Grave! You need to learn more about sharing the right information. Read on to know more. Here's a quick 7-step guide you can use to guide your social media sharing skills. If your answer to any of these questions is "No", rethink your need to share that bit of information. Some of these checks, such as "likes" and "happy news", are negotiable. Some of these, such as "source reliability" and "discrimination", should be non-negotiable. For more tips, read on.  
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#1. Is this information useful? ? Is this useful information?

One of the easiest questions to ask yourself about any piece of information that you want to share is, “Is this useful for others?” For example, is it useful to know whether supermarkets will be open during a lockdown period? Yes.

#2. Do other people already know this information?

If everyone already knows this information, there’s no point in sharing it, unless the point of sharing it is something other than spreading awareness.

For example, if there’s a post that says “coronavirus is no more,” and it’s already been shared 10 times, go ahead and share it again.

Or, if there’s a picture of a dog. Like and share.

#3. Is it just for the likes?

If you’re sharing something just for the likes, unless that is your business, think of other ways in which you can post meaningful content. Social validation is important, but don’t let it consume you.

#4. Is this information coming from a creditable source (not from forwards, he-said/she-said, fruitloop, gailywhale, etc.)?

Always look up the source of your information. It doesn’t matter if the news is good or bad, always look up your sources. If it’s a clickbait article, it’s possibly fake news or hyped to the point of being untrue.

Fact: A man on a cycle loses his wallet containing 20 pounds when it falls out of his back pocket

Breaking News: Cyclist loses cash-laden wallet

Click Bait/Lazy Journalism: A cyclist miraculously lost over 20 pounds in a single ride. How?

Fake News: Research says that cyclists with back pockets should not carry wallets

WhatsApp Forward: Psychology says that…

 

#5. Is this information insensitive towards someone (reeking of racism, bigotry, prejudice, etc.)?

This is a pretty simple test. All you have to do is get into the shoes of the other person. It’s quite easy. No. Not really. It takes time, patience, and willingness to swap shoes.

 

#6. Are you unfairly biased towards the viewpoint of this item?

Our opinions are shaped by our world view and this world view alters whenever it encounters credible new information. If your current world view causes you to be heavily biased or even unfairly biased, maybe it’s time to examine other facts that can broaden your mind.

#7. Does this information spark joy (or at the very least, not cause hurt)?

Is it a happy message? Share it. Is it aimed at hurting someone? Best not to share it.

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