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How do I Spot Fake News? 

There are various ways that you can spot fake news. Below is a series of questions you can ask yourself when you see a news story, and you aren't sure what to make of it. 

1. Does it play on emotions? Is it sensational? Unbelievable?

2. Is the topic that it covers highly controversial? Is the story taking a strong stance?

3. Is the story political in nature?​

4. Is it covering current affairs?​​

5. Does it contain exaggerated or distorted statements? 

6. Has the story gone viral?
7. Is it breaking news? Is the story complete?

8. Is it clickbait? Does the headline mean to attract attention?

Adapted from Ryerson University Library's "Fake News" Libguide

The News Literacy Project Classroom guide also outlines additional questions you can ask yourself to help you decide whether what you are reading is true. You can find it here.
 

Infographic How to spot fake news published by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions