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Evaluating Information

Learn how to evaluate information for credibility, accuracy, and relevance in your academic and everyday research.

How to Spot Fake News

Fake news is false or misleading information presented as real news. These stories often come from shady sources with odd domain names and aren’t reported by reputable news outlets. They might predict a major disaster, claim to reveal a cure for a serious illness, or feature a suspicious poll. Some fake news stories seem too funny, outrageous, or anger-inducing to be true—and that’s a red flag. Look for disclaimers on the site and check if other stories from the same source also seem unbelievable. Always think critically before sharing. (Adapted from Melanie Radzicki McManus, “10 Ways to Spot a Fake News Story,” HowStuffWorks.com).

 

Satirical Websites

Examples of Satirical News Sites

Attribution: By IFLA (http://www.ifla.org/publications/node/11174) [CC BY 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons