Misinformation and news literacy: Home
If you want to be news literate, you need to spot misinformation. Misinformation can be:
- Authentic material used in the wrong context
- Imposter news sites designed to look like brands we already know
- Fake news sites
- Fake information
- Manipulated content
- Parody content1
Here are some pointers to help you SIFT through information.
Fact checking sites
- Snopes.comIndependent, self-sufficient entity wholly owned by its operators who investigate rumors.
- PolitifactPolitiFact is an independent fact-checking website that rates the accuracy of claims by elected officials and others who speak up in American politics.
- Factcheck.orgA a nonpartisan, nonprofit “consumer advocate” for voters that aims to reduce the level of deception and confusion in U.S. politics.
- Washington Post fact checkerFact Checker is a column in the Washington Post. This is the accompanying website. The purpose is to “truth squad” the statements of political figures regarding issues of great importance. The Post leans left, and so tends to fact-check right-wing claims more than left-wing claims.
1 Definition from "Keepin' it real: tips & strategies for evaluating fake news," by the library at Loyola Marymount University Los Angeles.
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