Evaluating Resources: Why Evaluate Web Sources?

Buzzfeed lists the most viral fake stories on Facebook--did you fall for any of these?

• Kantrowitz, Alex. "In Its Fight Against Fake News, Facebook Found A Resilient Foe." Buzzfeed Inc.2016. Web. 11 April 2016.

Would you be able to know the real New York Times website from a bogus one with a similar name?

• Weissman, Cale Guthrie. "Watch out for This Fake News Website Masquerading as The New York Times." Business Insider. Business Insider, Inc., 29 June 2015. Web. 20 Oct. 2015.

Five Ways to Spot Fake News - Look for these Red Flags:

• Stearns, Josh. "Lessons from the New York Times Super Tuesday Hoax: Five Ways to Spot Fake News." First Draft News. Eyewitness Media Hub Ltd., 3 March 2016.

Don't get trolled! Learn about "clickbait" and stop sharing fake news:

• Rensin, Emmett. "The Great Satirical-News Scam of 2014." New Republic. The New Republic, 5 June 2014. Web. 20 Oct. 2015.

Fake news has become a popular form of satire. Here are three popular examples:

• The Onion
• Clickhole
• The Daily Show from Comedy Central

Not sure if a website is satirical? Go to this site for confirmation:

• Real Or Satire

Read more about fake news sites and enduring urban legends at the Guide to Fake News Websites.

A few websites are addressing the issue of misleading information. Use these websites to help your students identify fact and fiction. Keep in mind that even these websites should only be one of many sources of information.

• Snopes - the best source for factual information about rumors
• Hoax-Slayer - email hoaxes and current Internet scams.
• Urban Legends and Folklore - from About.com by D. Emery
• Truth or Fiction - before you forward that email...check it out
• Straight Dope - their mission is to fight ignorance