Lesson 3: Fact-Checking News and Social Media (M3-U3-L3)

M3-U3-L3-A Introduction

Introduction

Some news headlines are true. Others are designed to shock, scare, or trick you. In this lesson, you’ll learn how to check if a news story is reliable — and how to spot clickbait or emotional posts.

You’ll also see how professional journalists check their facts, so you can understand the difference between honest reporting and attention-grabbing content. Let’s explore how to read smarter and share wiser.

Jorge Gets Curious About the News

Jorge, 66, is reading the news on his phone. One headline says: “You won’t believe what your council did today!”

It sounds dramatic… but Jorge has learned a few tricks.
He checks the source, it’s not from a known news site.
He looks for an author, none listed.
And the language is full of strong, emotional words.

Jorge now knows: it’s probably clickbait. You’ll learn how to spot stories like this too — and how to help others think critically before sharing.

Quiz

M3-U3-L3-C Quiz


How Can I Explain Clickbait to Others?

Prompt:Clickbait tricks people by using strong emotions and surprising language. How would you explain this to an older adult, a friend, or a family member?

Write 2–3 sentences.
Try to be kind, clear, and helpful — this is a skill we can share with others.

Guide

M3-U3-L3-D Letters

Next time you see a big headline or a viral post, ask these 4 quick questions:

  1. Who wrote it?
    Is there a name, or is it just “admin”?
  2. What site is it on?
    Is it a known news site? Or something random?
  3. What words are used?
    If it sounds dramatic — “shocking”, “you won’t believe” — be careful.
  4. Can I find it elsewhere?
    Check if other trusted sites are saying the same thing.

If you’re unsure, don’t share it right away. Take a moment — and help others do the same.

Summary

Fantastic work! In this lesson, you learned how to tell the difference between trustworthy news and clickbait.

You now know how to:

  • Check who wrote a story and where it’s published
  • Look out for dramatic language
  • Compare a story with reliable sources
  • Help others think before they share

By asking just a few questions, you’re protecting yourself and the people around you. Well done, you’re becoming a smart, responsible media reader!