How to Spot Fake News
Check the SOURCE
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How is the source SPONSORED?
Does it contain OPINION or facts?
What is the UNDERLYING bias?
How REPUTABLE is the source and/or organization?
How CURRENT is the source?
Is the author a known EXPERT?
Vet the Publisher's Credibility
Would the website meet academic standards?
What is the domain name?
What is the publication's point of view?
Who is the author?
Pay Attention to Quality and Timeliness
Do you notice spelling errors, lots of all CAPS, or dramatic punctuation?
Is the story current or recycled? What is the date it was published?
Check the Sources and Citations
Pay attention to how and where you found the article.
Who is (or is not) quoted, and what do they say?
Is the information available on other sites?
Can you perform reverse searches for sources and images?
Ask the Pros
Have you visited a fact-checking website?
Some fact-checking website options: factcheck.org, politifact.com, snopes.com.