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Fake News

Evaluating Sources For Credibility

In an age where information is abundant and easily accessible, distinguishing between credible news and fake news has become increasingly challenging. Developing skills to evaluate sources critically is essential for making well-informed decisions.

Tips for Evaluating Sources for Fake New

Check the Source's Reputation

  • Investigate the credibility of the website or publication.
  • Look for established news organizations with a history of accurate reporting.

Examine the Author's Credentials

  • Verify the author's expertise and background in the subject matter.
  • Be cautious of articles without clear authorship or written by anonymous sources.

Cross-Check Information

  • Compare the information with other reputable sources to confirm accuracy.
  • Ensure that multiple reliable sources report the same facts or events.

Look for Bias or Agenda

  • Identify any potential biases or motives behind the information.
  • Consider whether the source has a particular political or ideological slant.

Analyze Quotes and Media

  • Trace quotes, statistics, and media to their original sources to ensure they are not taken out of context.
  • Verify that images or videos are authentic and have not been altered or misrepresented.

Check Web Information

  • Check the URL (Web address). Use .edu and .gov when possible.
  • Use browser extensions such as Hoaxy and Newsguard to help evaluate sources.

Consider the Publication Date

  • Check the date of the information to ensure it is current and relevant.
  • Be wary of outdated news that may no longer be accurate or applicable.

Evaluate the Tone and Language

  • Be cautious of sensationalist headlines or emotionally charged language.
  • Reliable news sources typically maintain a neutral and factual tone.

Use Fact-Checking Tools

Fact-Checking Tools

Using fact-checking tools is a crucial strategy for identifying and combating fake news, especially when engaging in college-level research where reliable information is essential for academic success. By regularly consulting these fact-checking sites, students can develop critical thinking skills and maintain a high standard of information literacy, ensuring that the news they consume and share is trustworthy and accurate. Here are a few fact-checking websites to explore:

SIFT Method

How can students get better at:

  • Sorting truth from fiction and everything in between;
  • At applying their attention to the things that matter;
  • At amplifying better treatments of issues'
  • Avoiding clickbait?

The SIFT method, outlined by Mike Caulfield on Hapgood's blog, is a four-step approach designed to help users evaluate the credibility of online information. The four steps are:

a red stop sign.Stop

  • Pause and ask yourself if you know the website or the source of the information. Consider whether you should trust the information or if you need to investigate further.

an African American woman investigating a source.Investigate the source

  • Look into the source of the information to determine its reliability. Understand who the author is, their expertise, and their purpose.

a stack of books.Find better coverage

  • Look for additional sources to verify the information. Consult other reputable sources to see if they confirm the same facts or provide more comprehensive coverage.

a man with black hair holding a book.Trace claims, quotes, and media to the original context

  • ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Trace the information back to its original source to understand the context and confirm its accuracy. This helps to avoid misinformation and ensures that the information is presented accurately.

Attribution