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Fake News

A guide to using your information literacy skills to critically analyze news resources.

Don't Fall for the Hoax

Read beyond the headline

Be suspicious if a headline makes you really angry or seems too good to be true. Ask yourself: Is this headline realistic? factcheck.org

Authority

Who is the author? Is she an expert on the subject, or a writer? What are the writer’s credentials? Does she write for a trustworthy news source or is she a blogger who wants as many clicks a possible?

Bias

Could the writer have a bias that is supported by the news? Do you have a bias that makes you want to believe the story is true even though it doesn’t make sense?

Sources

Does the writer cite sources of information? Credible journalists reveal where they get their information comes from, and they verify those sources before writing the story.

Check the URL

According to Melissa Zimdars, some websites pose as other websites. For example, abcnews.com is a legitimate source of news whereas its imitator, abcnews.com.co is not.

Other Things to Think About

How to Spot Fake News

Using Your Information Literacy Skills

Question everything. When searching news, or for anything else on the Internet, consider the intent of those who own the website you are looking at. How do they profit from it? Do they want you to click on their advertiser’s ads, or make you so angry you spread misinformation to your friends on Facebook?

Those who make and/or post false news often base their misinformation on the truth. Usually, it’s just credible enough so you respond emotionally and act on that emotion.

Use your critical thinking skills to read past the false information. Identify the falsehoods and see them for what they are – mere tricks to get you help others gain profit. You deserve the highest quality of information, and, as member of the Washburn community, you have the ability to find it are obligated to and use it ethically.

Information on the Internet may seem free, but it’s not. Improper use of false information can inspire others to cause harm, and may damage your own reputation. Apply your information literacy skills by evaluating all that you encounter, not just on the Internet, but everywhere. Do not be a passive consumer of information.

Types of Fake News

1. Fake news

These are the easiest to debunk and often come from known sham sites that are designed to look like real news outlets. They may include misleading photographs and headlines that, at first read, sound like they could be real.

2. Misleading news

These are the hardest to debunk, because they often contain a kernel of truth: A fact, event or quote that has been taken out of context. Look for sensational headlines that aren't supported by the information in the article.

3. Highly partisan news

A type of misleading news, this may be an interpretation of a real news event where the facts are manipulated to fit an agenda.

4. Clickbait

The shocking or teasing headlines of these stories trick you into clicking for more information -- which may or may not live up to what was promised.

5. Satire

This one is tough, because satire doesn't pretend to be real and serves a purpose as commentary or entertainment. But if people are not familiar with a satire site, they can share the news as if it is legitimate.

Washburn University Student Learning Outcomes

"Information Literacy and Technology involves the ability to locate, select, use and evaluate information obtained from appropriate electronic and/or printed resources, including a critical analysis of the information and the credibility of the sources of information."

"Critical and creative thinkers gather information from experience, observation, reasoning, reflection and communication. They explore and synthesize related ideas, connect them to prior knowledge, and apply them to new contexts."