Keeping It Real: How to Spot Fake News

A guide to identifying and evaluating news sources to distinguish quality reliable sources from the spectrum of fake news available on the web.

What's the Harm?

A growing problem 

Studies show two disturbing trends: the increasing proliferation of fake news stories, and the increasing difficulty of many Americans to distinguish between real and fake news.  This can lead to confusion and misinformation about important issues that affect our lives.

Fake News, Real Grades

The work that you produce for your classes should rely on quality, accurate information.  Your instructors will ask you to cite sources and will evaluate your assignments, in part, based on the quality of research that you use.

Harmful to your health

Many fake news articles focus on health and wellness, often promoting treatments for illness that have little to no legitimacy in the medical field.  Following the health advice of an unreliable article could have serious consequences for your health.

It undermines democracy

 A functioning democracy depends on citizens making informed decisions.  If the voters do not have accurate information, then the voting process may be undermined.  

You CAN Handle the Truth

Everyone has the right to make up their own minds on the important issues that face us, BUT it is important to have accurate information before you make a decision!