Is it true? Judging information online

Anyone can post anything online. Some of it is true, some is mistaken and some is made up on purpose. Here is how to check before you believe it or share it.

Practise this lesson free (6 questions)

Misinformation and disinformation

Misinformation is false information shared by someone who thinks it is true.
Disinformation is false information made and shared on purpose to mislead people.
Both can spread very fast, because shocking posts get shared more.
Editing tools and AI can now make deepfakes: fake videos, pictures or voices that look and sound real.

Checking a source

AskWhy it matters
Who made it?Is it a known organisation or an expert? Or an account you cannot identify?
When was it made?Old news can be shared as if it is new.
Why was it made?To inform, to sell, to entertain or to make people angry?
Do other reliable sources say the same?Check two or three trusted sources, such as established news organisations or official sites.
Does the web address look right?Fake sites often copy a real name with a small change.

Before you share

Pause. A post that makes you feel very angry or shocked is the kind most worth checking.
Look for the original source, not just a screenshot.
If you are not sure, do not share it.
If something online upsets you or seems harmful, tell a trusted adult and use the report button.
Worked example

A friend shares a screenshot saying school is cancelled tomorrow, with no link. What should you do?

  1. Ask who made it: there is no source.
  2. Check the school's own website or official messages.
  3. Do not pass it on until it is confirmed.

Answer: Check the school's official website or messages before believing or sharing it.

Key idea

Misinformation is false but shared by mistake; disinformation is false on purpose. Check who made it, when, why, and whether other reliable sources agree. If in doubt, do not share.

Key words
AND
A Boolean operator that gives True (1) only when both inputs are True.
NOT
A Boolean operator that flips its input: True becomes False and False becomes True.

All KS3 Computing key terms and definitions →

Common mistakes
Quick check

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Extra practice

2 more questions

Try each one, then tap to check.

  1. A website invents a story about a celebrity to get clicks. This is...

    1. disinformation
    2. misinformation
    3. a backup
    4. a cookie
    Show the answer

    Answer: disinformation

    Deliberate lies are disinformation.

  2. Your friend shares a fake story believing it is true. This is...

    1. disinformation
    2. misinformation
    3. phishing
    4. a deepfake
    Show the answer

    Answer: misinformation

    Sharing by mistake is misinformation.

Check you have got it

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Practise this lesson free (6 questions)All KS3 Computing lessons

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Sources and references

Last updated 2 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us and we will fix it.

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