How To Spot Fake News
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- Consider the source. Have you heard of this news agency before? If not, do a quick Google search on them and see what you find. Also check out the site’s ‘About’ page to learn more about the source.
- Is the headline in ALL CAPS? Does it seem too crazy to be true? These are often signs of clickbait.
- Photoshopped picture? Red Flag! Unless it is an article written by someone showing off their skills at graphic design, it is probably a fake news story.
- Check the byline. Who wrote the news story? Click on their name or Google them to see their qualifications, possible biases, and writing history. If no author is listed, this is a red flag. Reconsider the source and analyze the authenticity of sources cited in the article to check for credibility.
- When was it written? Fake news distributors are often lazy. Instead of wasting effort by making new stories, some fake news sites might just repost old news. This does not make the news relevant at the current moment.
- Check the supporting sources. Many times, fake news articles will cite other fake news outlets or interview fictional people. If the source is speaking to a high profile official that you haven’t heard of, Google the person’s name.
- Click on the links. If a story contains hyperlinks, see where they lead. Sometimes, they will lead to a dead end or an even more unreliable news story.
- Skim the entire story. Some sources try to get more views by using sensational titles. Make sure that you understand the entire story before sharing it.
- How does the story make you feel? If the story makes you angry, happy, sad, or mad, it was probably meant to do so. Understanding your bias is important when trying to distinguish emotional appeals from arguments based on evidence and logic.
- If you still aren’t sure, ask a friend. These fake news stories are written to trick us so it can be hard to determine their credibility. If you are in doubt, get another friend’s opinion. They might catch something that you missed.
Date Modified: August 8, 2018
Authors: Mary Margaret Herring & Aaron Delwiche
