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If you've spent any time watching the news, browsing social media, or reading the paper you've probably heard the term "fake news" tossed around. When people use this term, they usually mean news that is misleading, is not backed by solid evidence, or is just plain made-up. Sometimes, people will also call something fake news if they disagree with the news, or don't want to believe it's true. Unfortunately, the internet makes it easy to spread stories with misinformation. The goal of this resource page is to help you develop the skills to evaluate and analyze information for yourself.
Fake News versus Bias
Fake News versus Bias
It's important to recognize that we all are biased in one way or another. These biases are like lenses through which we view events and information, and can affect whether or not we find a source credible.
It's important to remember:
News stories should present facts and information. Opinion writing should be clearly labeled "Opinion" or "Editorial" and if it is in a newspaper or on a news website, it should be in one of those sections.
Just because we disagree with a writer's opinion, doesn't mean it's "fake". Different people will have different analyses of the same information.
Our goal should always be to argue with ideas, not people. If you disagree with something do your research and respectfully present your point, instead of accusing someone of lying or attacking them as a person.
It is each person's responsibility to verify information. Don't let the internet do the thinking for you! Use your ability to think critically and make your own decisions about what you hear, watch, and read.
Checklist for Evaluating Sources
Checklist for Evaluating Sources
Ten Questions for Fake News Detection (The News Literacy Project)
Can You Spot the Fake?
Can You Spot the Fake?
National Geographic Kids: Real or Fake? (Grades 5+)
7 Fake Websites to Test Your Knowledge (Grades 7+)
Media and Cognitive Bias
Media and Cognitive Bias
It feels good to be right. As human beings, we like information that confirms what we believe or feel, and this can lead to cognitive bias which is when our own opinions affect how we interpret facts. One issue with the constant stream of information we have via the internet and social media is that it can lead to us to only get our news from sources that will reinforce our exisiting opinions. When we don't step outside this bubble, we can miss out on important facts or conversations and start treating opinions as fact. To learn more about this, check out these reources:
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