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Misinformation and Disinformation: Thinking Critically about Information Sources

This Research Guide is adapted from a guide developed by the Research Center at the CUNY Graduate School of Journalism

How to Spot Fake News

Fake News Checklist

How to Spot Fake news from Factcheck.org

Consider the source: click away from the story to investigate the site, its mission, and its contact information

Read Beyond: Headlines can be outrageous in an effort to get clicks. What's the whole story?

Check the author: do a quick search on the author. Are they credible? Are they real?

Supporting sources:click on those links. Determine if the information given actually supports the story.

Check the date: reposting old news stories doesn't mean they are relevant to current events.

It is a joke? if it is too outlandish, it might be satire. Research the site and author to be sure.

Check your biases: consider if your own beliefs could affect your judgement

Ask the Experts- ask a librarian, or consult a fact checking web site