Misinformation Susceptibility Test

1. I tend to accept health or finance tips from viral posts without checking whether reputable sources agree.

2. When a claim matches what I already believe, I usually don’t feel the need to double-check it.

3. I am likely to believe a claim if it comes from a screenshot of a “news page,” even if I can’t find the original.

4. If a claim says it is being “censored” or “they don’t want you to know,” I find it more believable.

5. I distinguish between opinion content and reporting by checking labels, sections, or the author’s framing.

6. I check whether an account or page has a history of reliable information before trusting it.

7. If a claim comes from a meme or short clip, I treat it as unverified until I can corroborate it elsewhere.

8. If a claim seems too perfect for my views, I deliberately look for reasons it might be wrong.

9. When I see a “breaking news” post, I wait to see if reputable sources confirm it before accepting it.

10. If a claim is based on a single anonymous source or vague “experts say,” I treat it as less reliable until verified.

11. If a post makes me feel hopeful or inspired, I’m less skeptical of it.

12. When I feel anxious after reading a claim (e.g., about safety or health), I assume it’s probably true.

13. I am more likely to believe a claim when it includes a dramatic “before/after” image, even without context.

14. When a chart or graph is shared online, I check the axes, units, and source before trusting the conclusion.

15. If a claim has a lot of comments agreeing with it, I treat that as a sign it’s true.

16. If a headline makes me feel angry or outraged, I’m more likely to believe it is true.

17. I sometimes assume that if a platform allows a post, it has already been fact-checked.

18. I tend to think that misinformation is something that happens to other people more than to me.

19. I often assume that if many people are sharing a claim, it is probably accurate.

20. If a headline strongly matches what I already believe, I tend to accept it as true without checking further.

21. I trust information more when it comes with a dramatic personal story, even without solid evidence.

22. Before acting on a health, money, or safety tip online, I verify it with credible sources (e.g., official guidelines).

23. When I’m in a strong mood (excited, angry, scared), I’m more likely to misjudge what is true.

24. If a story supports “my side” (my politics, values, or group), I tend to accept it quickly.

25. I give more weight to information that reinforces my identity (e.g., my community, nation, or lifestyle).

26. When someone challenges a claim I believe, I first look for reasons they might be wrong.

27. When someone uses technical language, I assume they probably know what they’re talking about.

28. I sometimes share or repeat claims mainly because they “feel important,” even if I haven’t verified them.

29. Before I believe a surprising headline, I look for the original source (e.g., study, official statement, full video).

30. When a post includes a link, I open it and assess the content rather than relying on the caption alone.

31. When evaluating a controversial claim, my first reaction (gut feeling) is usually the best guide.

32. When a post quotes a statistic, I try to find where the number came from and what it actually measures.

33. If an article includes charts or statistics, I usually trust it even if I don’t know where the numbers came from.

34. I assume that if a claim is widely disliked by people I disagree with, it might be true.

35. A confident tone or strong certainty in a post makes me more likely to believe it.

36. When a headline and the article content don’t match, I treat the claim as less trustworthy.

37. When a claim supports my side in a debate, I feel less need to verify it.

38. I pay attention to who funded, sponsored, or benefits from a piece of information when evaluating it.

39. If a post includes a photo, I tend to believe the story more, even if the source is unclear.

40. I often judge whether a claim is true based on how much I like or trust the person sharing it.

41. If a claim flatters my group or worldview, I’m less likely to question it.

42. I look up whether fact-checkers or primary sources have addressed a questionable claim before sharing it.

43. I verify images or videos by checking for signs of editing, searching for the original, or using reverse image search.

44. When a post makes me angry or excited, I pause and verify it before reacting or sharing.

45. When I feel disgust or contempt about a topic, I become less careful about evaluating related claims.

46. If a claim aligns with my moral values, I treat it as more credible.

47. When I see “experts say” or “scientists confirm,” I usually accept the claim without looking for details.

48. If a claim makes a disliked group look bad, I’m more inclined to accept it.

49. When I’m busy, I may share an article based on the headline alone.

50. A confident tone (e.g., “This proves…”) makes a claim seem more credible to me.

51. When a post makes me angry or excited, I’m more likely to believe it right away.

52. Before sharing a screenshot, I try to find the full context (full thread, full quote, full clip).

53. I look for what is missing (sample size, limitations, definitions) before accepting a study-based claim.

54. When I see a claim that conflicts with my beliefs, I feel an immediate urge to dismiss it.

55. If I can’t quickly verify something, I avoid repeating it as if it’s true.

56. I check whether a quote is accurate by finding the full statement or transcript.

57. If a claim is important to me, I look for confirmation from more than one independent outlet.

58. I check whether a claim is supported by evidence (data, documents, direct quotes) rather than just confidence or popularity.

59. If many people I identify with are sharing a claim, I assume it’s likely correct.

60. I’m more likely to accept a claim if it confirms something I already suspect.

61. I’m likely to trust information from a creator/influencer I like, even if they don’t cite sources.

62. If a claim includes a personal story, I find it more convincing than general information or data.

63. I check the date of an article or screenshot to make sure it is current and not recycled.

64. I compare how multiple outlets frame the same event to detect omissions or misleading emphasis.

65. I often judge whether a claim is true based on how plausible it feels rather than on evidence.

66. I often assume that a “fact check” label or badge is reliable even if I don’t know who applied it.

67. If a claim is repeated across multiple accounts, I assume it has been verified.

68. I check the author or organization behind an article to see if they have relevant expertise or a track record.

69. I rarely consider that an image or video might be edited or taken out of context.

70. If a claim includes a clear villain and victim, I find it more believable.

71. I’m more convinced by information that “sounds right” than by information that is carefully sourced.

72. I have shared a headline or post and only later learned it was misleading or false.