Fake News! - How to Evaluate Information & Avoid Mis/Disinformation: Online Information Evaluation

Follow this process when consuming information online or spread through social media to determine if it's trustworthy.

1. What did they say?

• Is it hard to believe?
• Is it based on known facts?
• Does it seem plausible?
• Who else is talking about it/sharing it?

2. Who said it?

• Is the source "credible"?
• Was it posted on legit social media channels?
• Is the news media picking up on it?
• What is the organization/person affected saying about it?

3. How can I fact-check?

• Cross reference source(s)
• Use verified online fact-checking tools
• Check with others you trust
• Verify what main stream news sources are saying

4. Time to make a call

• Analyze your information
• Label the info as real or fake

5. Can I use the info?

• Decide what to do with the results
• What is your confidence level in the results?
• Rate as High--Medium--Low