#1 Exercise click-restraint! 

• • Read past the headline!
  • Ask yourself: Does the news headline have shock value?
  • Oftentimes people will simply repost an article for its title, despite not having read the entire piece. Make sure you are aware of the influence shock value can have, and how it may deter you from thoroughly engaging with the article.
  • After reading, ask yourself: do I know if everything I’ve read is real?
  • If the answer is no, do not hit the share button until you’ve done your research!
  • If searching up a topic on the web, be careful not to rely on the first site at the top of the search page. Google algorithms are designed to display higher-rated and popular stories first. Although they are taking steps to ensure the credibility of these top picks, they are also simultaneously dealing with partisan issues. Ensure that you are acknowledging more than one link under the search bar from reputable, diverse, and non-partisan sources. 
  • See the “Search engine bias” for more information. 

#2 Investigate the source 

• • This includes the website itself, as well as the author who published it.
  • Influencers are not experts! Oftentimes influencers are getting paid to post content for other companies despite not having the qualifications to safely recommend a product. 
  • See the “Authority and Reputation” section to find out more about author credentials and sites that should draw skepticism.

 #3 Look at what sources and links are used 

• • A lack of links or sources should be the first warning sign that the piece does not contain a lot of credible information backed up by experts in the topic’s field.
  • Look at who said the quotes. What are their qualifications to speak on the subject matter?
  • Fake sites may include links, but be careful! These links could lead to sites that are also spreading misinformation.
  • See the “fake news, satirical, and credible sites” section for a list of sites that should either be trusted or avoided.
  • Fake news sites can copy the names of real ones to look legitimate. Always look at the URLs and beware of an extra domain after .com (abcnews.com.co) or a twist on a real URL (nytimesofficial.com instead of nytimes.com).

#4 Look out for questionable photos 

• • A picture should be accurate in illustrating what the story is about, yet fake news writers do not interview primary sources or take their own pictures.
  • Fake news outlets will often use photos from a past event to “show” what’s happening now. 
  • Images can also be altered for a certain story, and aren’t immune from the forces of photoshop.
  • Try to reverse image search on Google, or use a resource like https://tineye.com/ to help you find where the image originated from.
  • All credible news sites will attribute a source to an image. If there is no source, be skeptical about the image! 

#5 Search if other news outlets are reporting it

• • Legitimate articles will often have multiple credible news outlets reporting on the same story.
  • If the story you are viewing is the first you’ve heard about the topic, google search it over the next few days to see who else reports on the matter.
  • A single article from a suspicious source should be reviewed with skepticism.
  • See the “Expert Consensus” Section for more information.