Guide to identifying fake news, harmful and misleading information.
On the internet, alongside useful information, there is a wealth of fake news, unfounded rumors, and harmful content. To keep a cool head, apply the "Six Holy Questions" before deciding to BELIEVE or SHARE anything. The purpose is... from Guide to identifying fake news, harmful and misleading information.
by
Editor CLD
schedule30/01/2026
On the internet, alongside useful information, there is a plethora of fake news, unfounded rumors, and harmful content. To keep a cool head, apply the "Six Holy Questions" before deciding to BELIEVE or SHARE anything.
Is it a mainstream news outlet (VTV, Thanh Nien, Tuoi Tre, Nhan Dan, etc.) or a completely unknown website?
Be vigilantWebsites with catchy but unreliable names include: "Shocking Truth," "Hot News 24/7," "Secrets Revealed," etc.
2️⃣ Who is the author, and where is the source?
Does the article have the name of the reporter or specific author? Or is it just "Collected," "Source: Internet," or "I heard"?
PrincipleInformation where the responsible party is unclear is often fabricated.
3️⃣Does the title intentionally try to "shock" or "scare" me?
Fake news often uses strong language to stir up emotions: "Chilling," "Outrageous," "Urgent," "You'll regret not watching.".
AdviceWhen you see a sensational headline, stay extra calm. Don't let fear control your fingers.
4️⃣ Are the images/videos appropriate?
Look closely.The news says "Hanoi is experiencing a severe cold spell," but the photos show people wearing short-sleeved shirts? The news says "it just happened today," but the video looks blurry and old?
TricksMalicious actors often take accident videos from abroad or from 10 years ago and add new captions to gain likes.
5️⃣Has anyone else spoken about this?
Try searching on Google or checking major news websites. If such a shocking story isn't reported by any major newspaper, then 99% is fake news.
6️⃣ Who posted this?
Click to view the poster's profile. If it's a newly created account, with no real photos, few friends, but only sharing negative and abusive content → This is a fake (clone) account used for sabotage.
Identifying "harmful and toxic content" to avoid.
Sometimes the line between news and harmful content is very thin. Explain to adults the types of articles they should absolutely avoid:
Distortion and sabotage: Articles that slander the Party and the State, defame leaders, or sow discord among religions or regions.
Inciting violence: Videos of fights, bloody accidents without censorship, and encouragement of revenge and hatred.
Social Evils & Superstition: Advertising gambling, lottery, online betting; or articles promoting superstition, intimidation related to spirituality for profit (selling amulets and charms).
Fraudulent groups: They call for participation in "secret societies" or "confidential investment groups," demanding membership fees or money transfers in exchange for "secrets to getting rich.".
The "3-STEP PROCESS" when encountering bad news
Many people, out of anger, comment and hurl insults at those who post fake news. In reality, this can sometimes backfire.
Standard procedure:
NO INTERACTION (Absolutely not):
Don't click Like, don't click Share.
SpecialDo not enter comments that are controversial.
ReasonFacebook/YouTube sees comments (even abusive ones) and thinks the post is "hot," leading to even more distribution to a wider audience. The best way to eliminate bad news is to ignore it.
REPORT:
Think of this as "cleaning up" for the community.
Click on the three dots (...) in the corner of the post/video → Select Report → Choose a reason (Fake news, Violence, Fraud...).
BLOCK:
If that page consistently posts spam, click Block to permanently block them from seeing it again.
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