A surprising headline can create an immediate urge to share, especially when it confirms something we already believe. Media and information literacy begins with questions. Open the full item instead of reacting to a screenshot. Ask who created it, why they made it and whether its purpose is to inform, persuade or entertain.
Next, examine the source, credibility and accuracy of the information. Look for evidence that supports the main claim and distinguish facts from opinions. Comparing the item with another reliable source can reveal missing context or disagreement. Verification does not mean distrusting everything. It means thinking critically about what we access, create and share before passing it to someone else.