Detecting Fake News

Fake news: a phrase used to mean news that is false or misleading... or is it? Since 2016, the use of this phrase has risen exponentially, especially as it pertains to journalists and the media. Unfortunately, some politicians use this phrase when referring to ideas, happenings, people, or even entire media outlets they don't agree with.

Therefore, we have compiled this page in order to assist students, parents, faculty, and staff in detecting and avoiding fake news!

What is Fake News?

Fake news is a type of journalism that is based upon crude exaggeration or propaganda made up of intentional disinformation spread via the internet. It is verifiably false.

Why Do People Produce Fake News?

News outlets sometimes report fake news as satire. This is the easiest type of fake news to catch because usually the sites that do it are known for satire, and no other news outlets will be reporting the same story.

Other times, however, fake news is produced for the sake of confusing the people, or simply getting a rise out of them.

Why Should We Fact Check Our News?

Knowing what news really is and isn’t fake is extremely important. It helps us avoid spreading misinformation and causing a panic over something that might not be true.

Often, people will claim “fake news” on any news story that they don’t like or don’t agree with. It’s important to know when a claim for fake news is real or really just a claim of bias.

How to Recognize Fake News: Steps to Fact-Checking Before You Share

• Read past the headline - Many news consumers don't read past the headline, and that's why instances like this happen.
• Check what news outlet published it -Is this news outlet known for bias or producing satirical or just flat out fake news?
• Check the publish date and time - Is this article dated? If it isn't or if it's out of date, it could be fake or misleading.
• Who is the author? - Is the author a credible journalist or Jo Shmo that started his own Word Press blog yesterday?
• Look at what links and sources are used - Are the links and sources used credible? Are they biased?
• Look out for questionable quotes and photos - Do the pictures look real or are they clearly photoshopped? Are the quotes from credible people or experts?
• Beware confirmation bias -
• Search if other news outlets are reporting it
• Check to see if their contact information is valid and if their social media is empty
• Think before you share

Be an intelligent consumer! Stop sharing (and believing) Fake News!

Sites Known to Produce Fake News:

• bients.com
• bizstandardnews.com
• globalresearch.ca
• nationalreport.net
• now8news.com
• newspunch.com
• infowars.com
• huzlers.com
• guerillanews.wordpress.com