Get Started:
- Who is the author, producer or publisher? What kind of website is it? Look at the URL for clues.
- What kind of content is it? (News, Opinion, Satire, Advertising, Advocacy for a cause)
- What is the date?
Is it Fake? Ask:
- Does the content match the headline?
- Does it seem too good or too outrageous to be true?
- Do the images seem altered or mismatched with the content?
- Does the story include facts or other evidence?
- Does the story name sources for the facts? If so, who are they and why should you believe them?
- Does the article/story seem to be selling something?
Is it Biased? Ask all of the above questions, plus:
- Are there stereotypes?
- Is there a lack of context? (For instance, naming a problem without exploring its causes)
- Is there unfair blame placed on one person, group or cause?
- Is the language or imagery loaded or sensational?
- Does the article include diverse experts or sources (for example, both those who study/work on an issue and those who are impacted by the issue)?
- Does it uphold journalism standards and ethics?