FAKE NEWS?
Fake news is exactly what it sounds like: stories that are made up to mislead anyone who reads them.
You'll need to be extra careful to avoid fake news when you're working on research assignments for your classes, of course. Your instructors expect you to use credible sources at all times. But, even outside of class, you owe it to yourself to take time to critically evaluate the headlines that you see on Twitter, Google, or anywhere else. Don't fall victim to fake news!
Fake news stories can look and sound convincing at first glance. Luckily, once you know what to look for, it's easy to spot the difference between real journalism and fakery.
HOW CAN I TELL?
Sometimes determining if news is fake is as simple as performing a Google search, other times you will need to do a little digging. Some fake stories may be based on a grain of truth, or based on a misunderstanding.
The infographic and video below will give you some quick tips.
Take these steps before sharing an article:
- Read the article yourself - Not just the headline!
- Try searching these sites to find out if a story has already been "debunked".
Google
FactCheck.org
CQ Press Library - Trefry Library Database
Think your fake-detecting skills are sharp enough? Try Factitious, the interactive fake news game.
See also:
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