How to Spot Fake News Online: A Guide for Seniors

By Aaron Kramer, Two Birds Innovation · March 2026

Misinformation — false or misleading news — spreads faster than ever on social media. Stories that trigger strong emotions (anger, fear, shock) are shared widely before anyone checks if they are true. Learning to pause and verify before sharing is one of the most important digital skills you can develop.

Warning signs of fake news

  • The headline is shocking or designed to make you angry — real news is usually more measured.
  • The website name looks like a real news site but is slightly different (e.g., 'CBC-Canada.net' instead of 'cbc.ca').
  • The story only appears on one website — real news is covered by multiple outlets.
  • There is no author named, or no date on the article.

How to verify before you share

  • Search the headline on Google — if it is real news, major outlets will have covered it.
  • Check the date — is this a current story or an old one being recirculated?
  • Go to the CBC News website directly (cbc.ca/news) and search for the story.
  • If in doubt, don't share it — there is no harm in waiting to verify.
The SIFT method

Stop — Ask yourself if you have a strong reaction. Investigate the source — who made this claim? Find better coverage — look for the same story from trusted outlets. Trace claims to their original context.

Want to learn more?
Module 9: Understanding AI goes deeper on this topic.
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