Fake news is the deliberate falsification and fabrication of news-based information. With catchy, outrageous headlines and incorrect or unsupported information, fake news is designed to mislead people. It can be found in newspapers, magazines, on news channels and on social media. So how can we pick up on what is real and what isn’t?
- Check the source. A trustworthy news article will cite their sources. Are these source materials from a reputable place such as a university, large news outlet or scientific journal? If not, take a closer look at your article.
- Look for spelling mistakes. If the article is riddled with spelling errors or has a few too many exclamation points, it’s likely not a credible story.
- Consider the date. Factual news should be up to date. Sometimes fake news pieces use outdated information to cause confusion as to what is relevant to current events. Be wary of old or contradictory infographics used in newly published stories as well.
- Check out the author. Are they a real person? Search the author’s name to find out more about them and their past work. Look for a history of biased, false, unverified or made-up stories.
- Ask an expert. Check with online fact checkers, an expert in the field or visit your local library. Libraries aren’t just for books; librarians can help you determine what is real in a world full of fake stories. Just ask!
Stay in the know by staying on top of fake news. Next time you encounter a news article that seems too shocking to be true, remember to check your facts.
Sources:
Spot fake news – Scientific News Literacy – Research Guides at Purdue University Libraries. (2021). https://guides.lib.purdue.edu/c.php?g=986194&p=7132183
Ruggeri, A. (2024, May 10). The “sift” strategy: A four-step method for spotting misinformation. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20240509-the-sift-strategy-a-four-step-method-for-spotting-misinformation
Mark Aaron Polger Informational Videos (2020, August 8). What is Fake News? How to Spot Fake News. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjtuzx8Pq3g&t=230s