Fact checks
There are many reasons why women may lose their hair, but drinking coffee is not one of them! MediaSmarts' teen fact-checker Fenna noticed a slew of posts on social media offering health advice to girls and women. Here are the steps she took to verify the claim, which you can also use when you're online!
Whoa, are we going to have to stop eating maple syrup? Teen fact-checker Lukas was having breakfast while scrolling online when he saw a video about a maple syrup shortage in Canada. He decided to fact-check the claim. Good thing he did because while the reserves are low, experts say we won’t have to worry about it running out any time soon. Watch to hear Lukas explain.
Yes, scientists have discovered a black hole that is eating the equivalent of one sun per day. This claim was so extraordinary that it caught the attention of teen fact-checker Dida who just had to verify it. There is nothing to worry about, but it must have quite the appetite! Nom, Nom, Nom. 🤤😋
Fact or fiction: Is it illegal to paint your house or garage door purple in Ottawa?🧐 Teen fact-checker Ethan saw a video about so-called “weird” Canadian laws and wondered if this one was true. Watch as Ethan shows you what steps he took to verify what he saw online, including sending an email to the mayor’s office! Bottom line? There is no city bylaw against painting your home or garage door purple in Ottawa!
Yes, a U.S. company has developed technology that allows a person to control a computer or mobile device with their mind! Teen fact-checker Eva was curious about this claim because of its potential to help people with disabilities. Watch to see how Eva fact-checked what seemed like an improbable claim that turned out to be true!
Apricot seeds can’t cure cancer! Yet, teen fact-checker Chloe noticed that it’s still a popular myth online. The fact is that eating too many apricot seeds can lead to cyanide poisoning and even death. So before you turn to social media for health advice, watch how Chloe fact-checked the claim and what media literacy tip she has so you can help slow the spread of medical misinformation online.
Yes, the video of camels struggling in rushing water in the desert is real, but it isn’t from this year’s spring floods in Dubai. Teen fact-checker Fifi saw this worrisome post go viral on social media and decided to find out if the video and the claim were real or not. Watch to see how she fact-checked it and stay tuned for her media literacy tip.
Chewing hard gum will not give you a sharper jawline! 🚫 However, this trend targeting teens who identify as male was all over social media. Watch to find out how teen fact-checker Maelys busted this myth💥and what media literacy tip she has so teens so don’t fall prey to the latest marketing schemes online!
Yes, a U.S. lab found high levels of benzene - a cancer-causing chemical - in acne products sold over-the-counter in the U.S. Teen fact-checker Trinity was curious about the claim because it could impact many teens. Watch Trinity for the scoop on fact-checking health claims on social media! 🔎
Yes, construction for The Line, an ambitious project for a futuristic city in the desert is underway in Saudi Arabia. Teen fact-checker Mariam thought the claim seemed so improbable, she just had to check it out! The claim is mostly legit, but watch to find out how she fact-checked it and what else she found out which may impact whether the plans for this vertical city are fully realized.
No, the American Heart Association did NOT publish a study saying that 90 percent of people who were vaccinated against COVID-19 have deadly heart defects. In fact, the study was unrelated to vaccines! However, teen fact-checker Sameer did see the claim circulating on social media. Watch to find out how Sameer verified that the claim is false and see what media literacy tip he has for when something you see online provokes a strong emotional reaction.