Sharing Information Is Easy — Verifying It Is a Skill
Messages, posts, videos, and news travel fast.
A few taps are enough to forward something to dozens or hundreds of people.
Because sharing is easy, verification becomes essential.
Cyber awareness is not about doubting everything —
it’s about taking a moment to confirm before passing information along.
Why Verification Matters
Unverified information can:
cause unnecessary fear
spread confusion
harm reputations
create misunderstandings
affect real decisions
Even well-intentioned sharing can have unintended impact.
Real Situations Young People Encounter
Scenario 1: A Message That Feels Urgent
A student receives a message saying:
“Share this now before it gets deleted.”
The message creates pressure to act quickly.
Urgency is often used to bypass verification.
Scenario 2: A Screenshot Without Context
A screenshot circulates in a group chat.
There’s no source or date.
People start reacting emotionally.
Without context, information can be misleading.
Scenario 3: A Video That Looks Real
A video appears convincing and emotional.
It aligns with opinions people already have.
But no one knows where it came from.
Believability does not equal accuracy.
Simple Questions to Ask Before Sharing
Before forwarding or reposting, pause and ask:
Where did this come from?
Who created it?
When was it published?
Is the source clearly identified?
Can I find the same information elsewhere?
If these questions don’t have clear answers, verification is needed.
How to Verify Information Safely
You can verify information by:
checking official websites or trusted organizations
searching for the same news from multiple sources
looking for original publication dates
reading beyond headlines
checking if images or videos appear in other contexts
Verification doesn’t require advanced tools — just attention.
Be Careful With Emotional Content
Messages that trigger strong emotions often spread faster.
Fear, anger, and excitement can reduce critical thinking.
If something makes you react immediately, it’s a good moment to slow down.
Awareness grows when emotions are acknowledged, not ignored.
Forwarded Messages Need Extra Care
Forwarded messages often lose context.
Before sharing them:
check if the information is still current
confirm it applies to your location or situation
avoid spreading unverified warnings or rumors
Not everything needs to be forwarded.
It’s Okay Not to Share
You don’t have to share everything you see.
Choosing not to forward information is a responsible decision.
Silence can prevent misinformation.
When in Doubt, Ask for Help
If you’re unsure:
ask a teacher, parent, or trusted adult
check official sources
wait before sharing
There’s no rush in being responsible.
Why This Matters
Information shapes opinions and actions.
How you share affects:
friends and family
school communities
online discussions
digital culture
Verification helps build trust and clarity.
How This Makes You a Cyber Hero
A cyber hero protects information flow.
By verifying before sharing:
you reduce misinformation
support clarity
protect others from confusion
build responsible digital habits
Awareness turns sharing into a thoughtful choice.
Daniel Porta
Cybersecurity Professional | CISO
Founder, Be a Cyber Hero Initiative