Fact Check
✅ Fact-Check Guide: How to Verify Information
1. Check the Source
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Is the source credible?
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Look for established, reputable outlets (e.g., BBC, Reuters, Associated Press).
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Check the “About Us” page of websites to verify if they are legitimate.
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Be cautious of sites with:
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Sensational headlines
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No author name or date
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Pop-up spam or extreme partisanship
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2. Look for the Author
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Who wrote the content?
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Google their name: Are they a subject-matter expert or a random blogger?
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Do they have credentials or a track record of reliable reporting?
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3. Verify the Claim
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Use reliable fact-checking sites:
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Snopes
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PolitiFact
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FactCheck.org
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Search the claim using keywords with “site:.gov” or “site:.edu” for trustworthy government or educational results.
4. Cross-Reference Multiple Sources
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Do other independent and credible outlets report the same information?
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If only one site mentions it, be skeptical.
5. Check the Date
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Is the content current or outdated?
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Sometimes true stories from years ago are reshared with misleading context.
6. Look at the Evidence
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Are there primary sources or data?
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Do images/videos seem edited or out of context?
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Use reverse image search: Google Images or TinEye
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7. Spot Bias and Emotion
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Is the article trying to persuade or inform?
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Watch for emotionally charged language or loaded terms.
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Check if both sides of a story are presented.
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8. Check for Satire
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Is it from a satire or parody site? Examples: The Onion, Babylon Bee.
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If it seems outrageous or too funny, double-check the domain and purpose.
9. Evaluate Statistics
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Are the stats cited?
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Who conducted the study?
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Was it peer-reviewed or from a reputable organization?
10. Ask Experts (When in Doubt)
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Reach out to journalists, academics, or researchers in the field.
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Use platforms like Reddit’s r/AskHistorians or r/AskScience for informed discussion.
Bonus Tools
| Tool | Use |
|---|---|
| Google Fact Check Explorer | Aggregates fact-checks from various sources |
| Hoaxy | Visualizes the spread of claims and fake news |
| Media Bias/Fact Check | Shows political leaning and factual reporting level of news outlets |
| NewsGuard | Browser extension rating news sites' trustworthiness |
