How to Spot Fake News

The Pew Research Center reports that two-thirds of U.S. adults say they get news, at least sometimes, from news websites or apps or search engines. 

The problem is — according to Cal State East Bay Lecturer of  History and Communication Nolan Higdon — anyone with an internet connection can create and share deceptive content. 

“Fake news refers to any false or misleading content that is presented as legitimate journalism,” said Higdon. “While it has been around since the beginning of human history, the internet provides an unrivaled way to spread it.”

Here are Higdon’s tips for being a conscious news consumer:

• Slowdown: Spend more time with less content.
• Determine if the content you are reviewing is journalism: do they have a code of ethics/editorial standards? 
• Research the publication: Look for conflicts of interest and/or a history of publishing false information.
• Research the journalist or writer: Look for conflicts of interest and/or a history of publishing false information.  
• Analyze the sources: Are they experts/authorities in the field? Are they witnesses? Be skeptical of anonymous sources, especially when they claim to be "official" sources.  
• Consider what sources/voices/identities are missing from the news story.