What is Fake News?
Fake news refers to stories or information that are false or designed to trick people.
Sometimes, these stories get more clicks, push a certain opinion, or even cause confusion.
In Singapore, fake news spreads through social media, messaging apps, and even group chats. And with new tools like generative AI that can produce convincing text, images, or even voices in seconds, separating fact from fiction may feel even harder.
Why Does Fake News Spread?
People often share news that triggers powerful emotions—anger, fear, or excitement.
Sometimes, the urge to be the first to share “breaking news” can override the habit of checking if the story is true.
Digital advertising also plays a role, as sensational headlines attract more attention and clicks.
Families who want an extra layer of balance can combine discussions about online behaviour with practical tools like parental controls, which help shape healthier digital habits without replacing open dialogue.
How to Spot Fake News in Singapore
Check the Source
Reliable news usually comes from established outlets like Channel NewsAsia, The Straits Times, or Today Online.
If a story comes from a website you’ve never heard of, pause and check its credibility.
Look for Evidence
Trustworthy articles provide sources, quotes, or data. If a story makes big claims without proof, question its accuracy.
Watch for Emotional Language
Fake news often uses dramatic words to grab attention. If a headline sounds too outrageous, take a moment to think before sharing.
Search for Other Reports
Multiple news outlets usually cover major events.
If only one website is reporting a shocking story, it might not be true.
Check the Date
Sometimes, old news is reshared as if it’s new. Always check the story’s publication date.
Be Wary of Digital Footprints
Fake news can leave a rapidly spreading digital footprint.
Before forwarding a message, consider how your action might affect others.
Websites to Help Verify Information
Making an active choice to verify information is easier with the right tools. Here are some websites that help Singaporeans check if a story is true:
- Factually (factually.gov.sg)
The Singapore government’s official fact-checking site. Factually addresses rumours, clarifies government policies, and debunks false claims circulating online. - Snopes (snopes.com)
One of the world’s oldest and most trusted fact-checking websites. Snopes investigates viral stories, photos, and social media posts. - AFP Fact Check (factcheck.afp.com)
Agence France-Presse runs a global fact-checking service, including stories relevant to Singapore and Southeast Asia. - Google Fact Check Tools (toolbox.google.com/factcheck/explorer)
Google’s Fact Check Explorer lets you search for fact-checked articles from around the world. - Black Dot Research (blackdotresearch.sg)
A Singapore-based site that investigates viral claims and provides clear, concise explanations.
Why Does Fake News Matter?
Once misinformation starts circulating, the consequences don’t only affect what people believe—they also shape how people respond with their money, data, or trust.
Fake news can cause real harm. In Singapore, spreading false information can lead to confusion, panic, or even legal trouble.
The Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA) exists to address these issues, but everyone has a role to play in building a better internet.
Scammers rely on the same triggers that fake news uses: urgency, emotional pressure, and a lack of verification.
That overlap means the risk goes beyond misleading headlines. A false claim can lead directly to someone clicking a fraudulent link, downloading a compromised file, or giving away sensitive details.
Thoughtful steps toward combating scams strengthen control in those moments.
By treating data access and information sharing as active choices, both individuals and businesses stay better positioned against manipulation.
Making Active Choices Online
Every time you read, share, or comment on a story, you shape the digital world. Choosing to pause, check, and think before sharing helps create a safer, more trustworthy internet for everyone in Singapore.
Learn More About Digital Literacy
Understanding digital literacy, digital advertising, and digital footprints can help you make smarter choices online.
At OIT, we look at these topics through the lens of digital responsibility—how each decision influences not just individual outcomes but the wider community.