Misinformation is when facts are mixed-up, changed, or even made up, then spread, sometimes on purpose and sometimes accidentally. This can happen through rumors, bullying, or just by sharing incorrect information. It's similar to playing a game of telephone, where you whisper words in each other's ears, and they can get misheard, changed, or forgotten as they go from person to person.
Disinformation, unlike misinformation, is a lie made on purpose to trick people. This could be for many reasons, such as scams, hoaxes, or political agendas (goals). Disinformation can be carried out on a small scale or on a larger scale, but some of the most damaging false information online is created by disinformation attacks run by governments or people with a desire to spread chaos.
Make sure the source is trustworthy by checking out the rest of the website. What other articles are there? Does it seem like satire (purposely made jokes that are hard to believe)? Check if they have a description or about page and read about them.
Many pieces of content on the internet are made to capture your attention; don't believe what the title says right away, and instead read the actual article to see the full story.
Have you heard of the author before? If not, look them up. Make sure they're real, and check if they are a good source of information. One thing to check for is possible bias (opinion on the topic that may lead to them writing in a way that favors one side).
If there are any sources cited, then check out the sources and make sure they are legit and actually support what you are reading.
Make sure to look at the date that the article or story was originally posted. Things can change a lot, especially if an article is years old.
In order to get another opinion that is reliable, ask someone who knows about the topic at hand to verify the information. You can also try using fact-checking sites or asking a librarian. Don't let your own previous opinions sway you.