Fake News

What is Fake News?

Fake news sources deliberately publish hoaxes, propaganda, and disinformation. Don't be fooled by fake news! There are many strategies you can use to tell fact from fiction, for example:

Check the date, byline, web address, and credentials
Check the tone and ignore appeals to emotion
Google search the claims, images, and videos on the page
Use a fact-checking website
Ask a Librarian!

For more details on these tips and for additional strategies, check out the handout from our Avoiding Fake News and Scams class.

After you’ve learned more about fake news, try the example at the bottom of the page.

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Keep in mind: Fake news is not news you disagree with. In fact, it is not news at all. It is content generated by non-news organizations to drive eyeballs to ads (e.g., clickbait) or to spread false information (rumors, conspiracy theories, junk science, and propaganda, for example). (Source: Cornell University)

Not sure how to spot a Fake? Check out these resources and stay informed!
Fact Checking Sites | Articles | Videos | A Fake News Example

Fact Checking Sites

FactCheck - Monitors the factual accuracy of what is said by major U.S. political players in the form of TV ads, debates, speeches, interviews, and news releases.
PolitiFact - PolitiFact is a fact-checking website that rates the accuracy of claims by elected officials and others on its Truth-O-Meter.
Snopes - An Internet reference source for checking and debunking urban legends, folklore, myths, rumors, and misinformation.