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:
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. CLICK IMAGE FOR A LARGER VERSION --> 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.
Articles
- AllSides - Places opposing viewpoints side by side to provide multiple angles on the same story so you can quickly get the full picture, not just one slant.
- News Literacy - Guide leading to articles, videos, and other resources on fake news.
- Help! My News is Fake! - Guide leading to information, articles, and resources for verifying news.
- CNET: How to Avoid Getting Conned by Fake News Sites
- CNN: Here's How to Outsmart Fake News in your Facebook Feed
- FactCheck.org: How to Spot Fake News
- Some Real Data On Fake News - Interview with the author of a 2017 academic study on Fake News. You can also read a summary of the study's findings here.
- TED-ED: How to Tell Fake News from Real News
- USA Today: How to Spot Fake News
- The Verge: Artificial Intelligence is Going to Make it Easier Than Ever to Fake Images and Video
Videos:
A Fake News Example
(CLICK IMAGE FOR A LARGER VERSION)