To celebrate International Fact-Checking Day on April 2, the Snopes newsroom documented some ways it scours the internet daily and determines whether viral rumors are factual or misleading.
Below, you can learn how to perform reverse image searches, analyze social media posts about purported scientific research, spot digitally manipulated photos — and more — just like our professional fact-checkers. You may also want to bookmark our "Fact-Checkers' Toolbox" with additional tips and tricks to up your media literacy game.
What is International Fact-Checking Day? The concept of an annual observance to celebrate the important work of fact checkers surfaced in 2014 during a gathering of journalists and professional researchers at the London School of Economics, USA Today reported. That group eventually formed Poynter's International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN), a consortium of news outlets and advocates against online misinformation.
"Fact-Checking Day is an annual celebration and rallying cry for more truth in public health, journalism, and everyday life," Poynter said. "It is meant to be lighthearted, but practical."
To celebrate, learn more about Snopes' fact-checking process, including how readers' inquiries primarily drive our efforts. Think you've come across a suspicious rumor while scrolling? Drop us a line. We'll try to look into it.
