How Can I Identify Fake News?

Have you looked at the publisher's credibility?

Have you looked at the quality and the timeline of the text?

Have you looked at the quotes and sources?

Have you questioned where you came across the article/site?

Have you noticed that the content is leaning toward a specific agenda or opinion?

Have you questioned the reason the content was written?

Have you noticed any use of Photoshop or visual alteration in photos and videos?

To determine the publisher's credibility look at the publishing site to see if it meets academic citation standards. Additionally, check the site's domain name for unusual names like - .com.co and read about the publisher and the author.

If you notice spelling errors, sections written all in capital letters or exaggerated punctuation that can indicate fake news. Additionally if you notice that the timeline is not accurate that can indicate an old story that has been recycled and taken out of context.

A lack of quotes and/or sources can indicate fake news. Additionally check if the information is available on other sites and if you can search for the cited sources and photos, if not that can indicate fake news.

If you found the content on your social media feed or on a site known for clickbait be cautious and know that the content is likely to be fake news.

If you found that the content is bias or leaning toward a specific agenda or opinion that can indicate fake news.

If you notice that the content was written for profit, if you notice that the content is actually an advertisement or if you see that the content is sponsored that can indicate fake news.

If you notice that the photos or videos were altered that can strongly indicate fake news.

There are many fact checking sites you can search for online where you can ask questions and get information about websites and articles to determine if they are fake news.