GCC Library Information Literacy: Fake News or Real News

Source:  FactCheck.org

  Take Action and Combat Fake News!

Here are 5 ways you can make a difference NOW by evaluating and engaging.

1. Think before you share. Read the entire piece before you decide whether or not to share.

2. Verify an unlikely story. Check out some of the tools listed below.

3. Help debunk fake news.

• Report fake news on Facebook. 

4. Rethink your news diet.

• Expand your information network to include diverse perspectives from quality sources.  Check out front-page headlines from U.S. newspapers.

5. Evaluate your news using IMVAIN

The bedrock method of deconstruction: Each source in a news report is evaluated using the “IMVAIN” rubric:

• Independent sources are preferable to self-interested sources.
• Multiple sources are preferable to a report based on a single source.
• Sources who Verify or provide verifiable information are preferable to those who merely assert.
• Authoritative and/or Informed sources are preferable to sources who are uninformed or lack authoritative background.
• Named sources are better than anonymous ones.

Adapted from the Hannon Library at LMU

• 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 content

How does Fake News Spread?

We know that the creators of fake news and fake news sites check verified news sources. They use facts from these verified news outlets and layer it with misinformation to confuse the reader. When confronted by both the fake news and verified news, people tend to discount both the misinformation and the facts. That's the power of fake news.

Additionally, most adults use social media to get their news. Columbia Journalism Review reports that 30% of fake news can be linked back to Facebook while only 8% of verified news is linked from Facebook. There are fewer fake news sources than verified news sources but with social media, their reach is that much more pronounced.

Adapted from the Hannon Library at LMU