Given our attraction to the outrageous and unbelievable, it's no surprise the most popular social media posts are often the most wrong. Before you hit the share button on a viral photo, consider a quick fact check using these methods!
Search by image using Google Images
Some of the most viral social media hoaxes are crafted from actual photos and real events. When you see an unbelievable photo, a quick (though not foolproof) way to verify its authenticity is with a reverse image search. You can use Google Images, but other services, like TinEye, are available as well. The idea is that someone hoping to create a fake image — whatever their motivation — will use readily available resources on the web.
We'll use this image of Freddie Mercury showing the singer applying face makeup as our example:
It's arguably easy to tell the image has been manipulated (just look at that terrible 'shop job around the thumb), but we can find evidence it's a fake by looking for the real image online using a reverse image search.
- First, download or screenshot the image so you can upload it to Google Images.
- Head on over to Google Images.
Click the Search by image button in the search bar (looks like a camera).
Click Upload an image.
Click Choose File and select the image of Freddie Mercury.
Click Visually similar images to see what Google's found on the web.
After a bit of scrolling, you'll see the actual image of Freddie Mercury applying eyeliner.
If you come across any unbelievable images, consider running a reverse image search to find its component parts.
Other tips
Do a bit of research: If your gut is telling you something seems off, listen to it. Consider doing some research on the topic by doing a quick web search or two to find the facts and the frauds.
Check responses: Look at the comments and replies on a post. Are there multiple instances of people claiming the post is fake? Do they provide evidence? Use their legwork to help inform your judgment.
Fact-finding resources are your friend: Fact-finding sites like Snopes are a great resource for determining what's real and what's not. The site provides evidence based judgments of all kinds of news stories, viral images, videos, and more.
Spot any fakes lately?
Have you come across any fake social media images that drew you in? Spot any terrible fakes? Share your stories (and fake social media posts) in the comments, or give us a shout over on Twitter!

Review: You really ought to check out Catalyst Black for iOS
Catalyst Black is an online multiplayer game that has teams compete against each other to score points and take down opponents. It has both sci-fi and fantasy elements since players can turn into large beasts to do additional damage.

Microsoft could release the inexpensive Apple TV that Apple won't make
Microsoft is reportedly working on a new, inexpensive streaming stick that could not only allow people to stream games, but also video content.

Celebrate 'Stranger Things' season 4 with this cool WhatsApp sticker pack
It's here! After a long wait, Stranger Things season four, volume one is now available to stream on Netflix and you can celebrate with a cool new WhatsApp sticker pack!

Keep an eye on the front door with the best HomeKit video doorbells
HomeKit video doorbells are a great way to keep an eye on those precious packages at your front door. While there are just a few from which to choose, these are the best HomeKit options available.