How to Spot the Difference Between Fake and Credible News Sources

Information is everywhere nowadays. It's quite literally at our fingertips - easy to create, find, and share. While this definitely has its perks, it's so important to know how to distinguish between sources that are credible and those that are fake. With a global pandemic still underway and protests against racial injustice and police brutality happening all over the nation, as well as being in the midst of a super important Presidential election year, we all need to remain informed and involved citizens. So, we've created a list of some of the most important questions to ask yourself when you come across news sources:

Is this a satire or joke site?

Check to see if the site on which an article is posted is a satire site, especially if it seems a little outlandish. The Onion is perhaps one of the most famous of these in the United States, but others include Big American News, CAP News, and National Report. A lot of times, these satire or joke sites will include a disclaimer stating such, but it may be extremely difficult to find within their page. A Google search of the site should tell you more about its intentions. In cases like this, Google is, seriously, your best friend.

Who is the author?

Always look at the author when trying to decide if a news site is credible or not. First, determine whether or not they're even a real person. Second, check their credentials. What qualifications do they have in order to speak on this particular subject? At the end of many news articles, there are short blurbs about the author, which is helpful. If there isn't, check within the main website for more information or, of course, search for them on Google.

When was the article published?

Too often, I see old news articles being shared on my news feed. This is problematic because, if the date isn't taken into consideration, it can lead to circulated misinformation. Sure, an old article can be credible in terms of author and source, but in order for it to add to your understanding of the current climate, it needs to be current. So, always check the date of any news sources you find on the Internet - I can't stress that enough!

What are the supporting sources? Are they credible?

The author of the article in question has more than likely cited other sources. So, be sure to check those. These might be organizations, experts in a particular field, scientific studies, or other articles. Ask yourself: Are the organizations or experts real? Are they ethical? Are the cited studies legitimate and trustworthy? The sources used in an article can either add much to its credibility or completely discredit it. Be vigilant!

What are your own biases and opinions?

Don't forget to think about how you feel about the topic at hand. People are more likely to trust and believe an article that confirms their own biases, or to discredit an article that goes against them. While it can be hard to evaluate yourself, remember to take this into account. Just because the article is written about a politician or stance you may not agree with doesn't mean that the article isn't credible.

Still can't decide? Ask us!

That's one of the many things libraries are for, after all. Don't be afraid to ask us for help!