Definition

We're living in a world where it's becoming increasingly difficult to spot fake news. With the proliferation of social media, it's easier than ever for anyone to create and share false information.

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Example

Every time you're online, you are bombarded by pictures, articles, links and videos trying to tell their story. Unfortunately, not all of these stories are true. Sometimes they want you to click on another story or advertisement at their own site, other times they want to upset people for political reasons. These days it's so easy to share information. These stories circulate quickly, and the result is … fake news.

There is a range of fake news: from crazy stories which people easily recognise to more subtle types of misinformation. Experts in media studies and online psychology have been examining the fake news phenomenon. Read these tips, and don't get fooled!

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1. Check the source

Look at the website where the story comes from. Does it look real? Is the text well written? Are there a variety of other stories or is it just one story? Fake news websites often use addresses that sound like real newspapers, but don't have many real stories about other topics. If you aren't sure, click on the 'About' page and look for a clear description of the organization.

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2. Watch out for fake photos

Many fake news stories use images that are Photoshopped or taken from an unrelated site. Sometimes, if you just look closely at an image, you can see if it has been changed. Or use a tool like Google Reverse Image search. It will show you if the same image has been used in other contexts.

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3. Check the story is in other places

Look to see if the story you are reading is on other news sites that you know and trust. If you do find it on many other sites, then it probably isn't fake (although there are some exceptions), as many big news organisations try to check their sources before they publish a story. 

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4. Look for other signs

There are other techniques that fake news uses. These include using ALL CAPS and lots of ads that pop up when you click on a link. Also, think about how the story makes you feel. If the news story makes you angry, it's probably designed to make you angry.

If you know these things about online news, and can apply them in your everyday life, then you have the control over what to read, what to believe and most importantly what to share. If you find a news story that you know is fake, the most important advice is: don't share it!

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Conclusion

So how can you identify fake news? Here are a few things to look for:

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1. Check the source. If you're seeing a story on a website you've never heard of, be skeptical. Do a little research to see if the site is reputable.

2. Be skeptical of headlines. Fake news stories often have sensationalized or clickbait-y headlines designed to grab attention.

3. See if other reputable news sources are reporting the same story. If you're seeing a story on a small website that no one else is talking about, it's likely fake.

4. Check the date. Sometimes old stories get recycled and shared as if they're new. Make sure you're seeing the most recent version of a story before you believe it.

5. Watch out for fake photos. With the power of Photoshop, it's easy to doctor images. Be skeptical of any photos that seem too good to be true.

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By following these tips, you can help identify fake news and avoid being misled.