How to identify the Post Hoc fallacy?

What is false cause-and-effect in headlines and commentary?

The post hoc fallacy assumes that because one event happened before another, the first event must have caused the second. Media narratives sometimes rely on this fallacy to create compelling but inaccurate cause-and-effect stories.

An example is claiming that increased social media use causes anxiety simply because both have risen over time. Correlation does not prove causation.

To evaluate such claims, look for scientific evidence showing a real causal relationship. Ask whether other variables may explain the outcome.