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Avoiding Fake News

This guide defines fake news and discusses how to spot it. It also provides links to fact-checking websites.

FactCheck. How to Spot Fake News - FactCheck.Org. 2016. YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkwWcHekMdo.

 

How to Spot Fake News:

  • Consider the Source - Click away from the story to investigate the site, its mission, and its contact information.
  • Read Beyond - Headlines can be outrageous in an effort to get clicks. What's the whole story?
  • Check the Author - Do a quick search on the author. Are they credible? Are they real?
  • Supporting Sources? - Click on those links. Determine if the information given actually supports the story. 
  • Check the Date - Reposting old news stories doesn't mean they are relevant to current events.
  • Is it a Joke? - If it is too outlandish, it might be satire. Research the site and author to be sure. 
  • Check your Biases - Consider if your own beliefs could affect your judgment. 
  • Ask the Experts - Ask a librarian or consult a fact-checking site

Kiely, Eugene, and Lori Robertson. “How to Spot Fake News.” FactCheck.Org, 18 Nov. 2016, https://www.factcheck.org/2016/11/how-to-spot-fake-news/.