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"Fake News" and Misinformation: How to Spot Fake News

As a researcher and personal consumer of news, it is your responsibility to think critically about and evaluate the news sources you wish to cite. ​This guide will help you understand the parts and types of news articles, what to look for in news articles

Fact-Checking Sites

FactCheck.org

"A nonpartisan, nonprofit 'consumer advocate' for voters that aims to reduce the level of deception and confusion in U.S. politics."

Snopes.com

"When misinformation obscures the truth and readers don't know what to trust, Snopes' fact-checking and original, investigative reporting lights the way to evidence-based and contextualized analysis. We always link to and document our sources so readers are empowered to do independent research and make up their own minds."

The Washington Post Fact Checker

"This column first started on Sept. 19, 2007, as a feature during the 2008 presidential campaign. The Washington Post revived it as a permanent feature on Jan. 11, 2011. ...The purpose of this website ... is to 'truth squad' the statements of political figures regarding issues of great importance, be they national, international or local."

PolitiFact

"Fact-checking journalism is the heart of PolitiFact. Our core principles are independence, transparency, fairness, thorough reporting and clear writing. The reason we publish is to give citizens the information they need to govern themselves in a democracy."

"How to Spot Fake News" Infographic

How to Spot Fake News

Things to Consider

  • Consider the Source
    Click away from the story to investigate the site, its mission, and its contact info
  • Read Beyond
    Headlines can be outrageous in an effort to get clicks. What's the whole story?
  • Check the Author
    Do a quick search on the author. Are they credible? Are they real?
  • Supporting Sources?
    Click on those links. Determine if the info given actually supports the story.
  • Check the Date
    Reposting old news stories doesn't mean they're relevant to current events.
  • Is It a Joke?
    If it is too outlandish, it might be satire. Research the site and author to be sure.
  • Check Your Biases
    Consider if your own beliefs could affect your judgement.
  • Ask the Experts
    Ask a librarian, or consult a fact-checking site.