Before you share it, check it. Being first means nothing if you’re first to be wrong.

Speed is the whole appeal of being the one who brings news, and it is also what makes the mistake likely, since checking is exactly the step that costs time. Once you pass something on, your name is attached to it. Being early on something false gets remembered far longer than being second on something true.

Build in a small delay. Find the original source, look at the date, and see whether anyone credible is saying it too. If you cannot confirm it in two minutes, either say you are not sure or let it go. Nobody is keeping score on who posted first.