The content in this guide was modeled after a guide that was originally created by Research & Learning Services, Olin Library, Cornell University Library, Ithaca, NY, USA and has been adapted for the NWP Learning Commons in September 2020. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons BY NC SA 4.0 International License.
Be curious:
Independently verify the source (by performing a separate search) and the information (through more mainstream news sources or fact-checking sites).
Be reflective:
If you have an immediate emotional reaction to a news article or source, pause, reflect, investigate. Eliciting an emotional reaction is a primary goal of fake news producers. Do not be part of a viral fake news spiral.
Actively investigate your news sources:
Select news sources known for high-quality, investigative reporting. Search these sources directly. Don't settle for web search results or social media news feeds. Social media algorithms are designed to present the news that reinforces your current views rather than providing a balanced view.
Look for in-depth coverage:
Look for lengthy articles--long-form reporting--that begin to capture some of the complexity of topics and events. One or two paragraphs is not sufficient.
Remember to pause before you share!
Reliable News Fact-Checking Sites