Hoax or unreliable fake information nowadays has become trending topic around public media, such as social media or mainstream media. Obviously, fake information is very disadvantageous either for the one who make it or the one who spread it. If we are proven that we misused the information, we could get charged for law because we are accused of spreading fake information and hate speech according to Constitution of Electronic Information and Transaction (UU ITE).
In order to anticipate us from becoming hoax victim or hoax spreader, here are short tips which we can use to identify whether the information we receive is accurate or fake:
- Beware of provocative news headlines
Hoax maker tends to use the trending situation in recent public issues, for example, political information. Be careful if you read provocative news headlines. Check the validity by reading the whole information then compare to other references.
- Pay attention to the news sites
Fake information is usually spread through unofficial media, like blog. Ministry of Communication and Information (Kominfo) has already done registration and verification to mainstream news sites. Beware of information from unverified and unofficial sites.
- Check the accuracy of the facts
Pay attention to the source of information, for example, quotation from government institution and police department press conference. Do not get easily believe if the source is from political figures, society organizational members, or an observer. Check the validity then compare to other references.
- Check the accuracy of the images
Broadcasted information on social media is not only texts but also images and videos. Use Google Images feature by dragging and dropping the images you retrieved to check the validity. [Irzha]
Image source : https://www.theindonesianinstitute.com/anti-hoax/