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Without context, viewers begin filling in the blanks themselves.
Psychologists call this “making inferences.”
Unfortunately, our assumptions are not always correct.
How Misinformation Spreads
False or misleading information often follows a predictable path.
Someone creates an emotional image.
Another person shares it without checking.
Friends see it and assume it must be true because someone they know posted it.
Soon thousands—or even millions—have seen the post.
By the time fact-checkers respond, the misinformation has already spread widely.
This cycle repeats every day across multiple social media platforms.
The Importance of Verification
Before believing dramatic claims online, consider asking a few simple questions:
Does the post cite a reliable news organization?