Evaluate News

How to Spot Fake News

Consider the Source: Click away from the story to investigate the site, its mission and its contact info. Check the author: do a quick search on the author. Are they credible? Are they real? Check the date: Reposting old news stories doesn't mean they're relevant to current events. Check your biases: consider if your own beliefs could affect your judgement. Read beyond: Headlines can be outrageous in an effort to get clicks. What's the whole story? Supporting Sources: Click on those links. Determine if the info given actually supports the story. If it a joke? If it is too outlandish, it might be satire. Research the site and author to be sure. Ask the experts: ask a librarian, or consult a fact checking site.

  • Consider the source: Click away from the story to investigate the site, its mission and its contact info.
  • Check the author: Do a quick search on the author. Are they credible? Are they real?
  • Check the date: Reposting old news stories doesn't mean they're relevant to current events. Check your biases: consider if your own beliefs could affect your judgement.
  • Read beyond: Headlines can be outrageous in an effort to get clicks. What's the whole story?
  • Supporting sources: Click on those links. Determine if the info given actually supports the story. If it a joke? If it is too outlandish, it might be satire. Research the site and author to be sure.
  • Ask the experts: Ask a librarian, or consult a fact checking site.

 

Fact Checking Sites

Fact-checking websites can help you investigate claims to help you determine whether what you hear or read is true. These resources can help you determine the legitimacy of a claim, but even fact-checking websites should be examined critically. 

Want to learn more?

Check out this LibGuide for more tips on how to check facts in news and other sources.

 

 

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