How to Identify Fake News Online in a Post-Truth Era

4/12/22

The rise of technology and social media has led to an influx of easily accessible information, but not all of it is trustworthy or reliable. It is understandable for emotions and personal biases to cloud judgement and overshadow objective facts. Incorrect or misleading information can have serious consequences. It is important for people to learn how to identify fake news to weed out the pollution of false information. 

This listicle will identify actionable steps to detect fake news online and instill you with the skills to navigate today’s digital landscape with confidence.

1. Check Who Published The Article 

Checking which company published an article will help you identify if the information is trustworthy or not, based on the reputation of the company. Does the company usually publish unreliable information? Articles that are published by unreliable sources are usually full of fake news.

2. Check The “About” section

Check to see if there is an about page or section. News outlets that can be trusted usually have an about section that is full of detail, including information about the background of a company, their policy statements and their contact information. 

3. Look at The Headline

Clickbait and hyperbolic head-lines are very common tactics fake news articles use to draw in viewers. These headlines are designed to make the readers feel a strong sense of emotion or curiosity. Oftentimes these articles contain exaggerated or biased information.

4. Research The Author

Researching the author of an article will help reveal whether or not an article is trustworthy or not. By searching the author’s name online you learn about the work he or she has produced, along with their reputation.

5. Cross-Check The Information

Compare the information in the article you are checking to other sources to see if they contain the same facts. If there are discrepancies in your article compared to the other articles, then the information you are checking is most likely false.

6. Checked The Biases

Biased information usually omits some of the truth or adds on other information that isn’t entirely true or just outright false. If a company is biased they are most likely to produce information that supports their beliefs. It is best to avoid biased sources if you want to get all the right and correct information.

In conclusion, the internet and media is full of an abundance of information, but not all of it is reliable. By knowing how to identify false information from truth, you will be able to avoid trusting or believing in fake news. Checking who published an article, looking at the about section, examining the headline and researching the author are all great ways to determine whether or not an article is projecting false information. It is important to stay informed and knowledgeable about how to navigate the digital landscape without getting sucked down a rabbit hole of lies.

References

Polger, M. A. (2024, October 13). Misinformation and Disinformation: Thinking Critically about Information Sources. library.csi.cuny. https://library.csi.cuny.edu/misinformation/spotfakenews

ProQuest. (2024). How to Identify Fake News in 10 Steps. aoml.noaa. https://www.aoml.noaa.gov/general/lib/lib1/nhclib/Fake-News-WorksheetProQuest.pdf