Not all information is true or accurate. Sometimes, false information is created to trick people, cause confusion, or make money from ads and clicks. With so much news and information on social media and the internet, it can be harder to tell what is real and what is not.
Misinformation is false or misleading information that is shared by mistake, without the goal of causing harm. People often spread it because they don’t realize it’s untrue or haven’t checked the facts. Example: Posting an old news article online without knowing it’s outdated.
Disinformation, on the other hand, is false information that is created on purpose to trick or influence people. This is often done for political, financial, or personal reasons. Example: Making up a fake news story to mislead people about an important event.
How to Spot Reliable News
- Check the Source: Is it a trustworthy news site? Look for well-known outlets that explain how they create news. Social media is not a news source – find the original article.
- Verify the Author: Is the writer an expert or journalist? Look at their background and other work.
- Find Proof: Good news reports mention sources and facts that can be checked.
- Watch for Emotional Triggers: Headlines meant to make you angry or scared can be misleading.
- Compare Sources: If only one website or social media post shares the story, it might not be true.
- Use Fact-Checking Websites: Sites like AFP, Snopes, PolitiFact, and FactCheck.org can confirm if a story is true or false.
Fact-Checking Websites
AFP Canada: The Canadian branch of Agence France-Presse (AFP), a French media company with unique status under French law to provide accurate, unbiased information
Politifact: A non-partisan fact checking website run by the Poynter Institute, a non-profit American school for journalists
Factcheck.org: Funded by public donations and an endowment from the Annenberg Foundation and from the Annenberg School for Communication Trust at the University of Pennsylvania
Snopes: An American company founded in 1994 decided to investigating urban legends, hoaxes, and folklore, now the oldest and largest fact-checking website online
Library Resources
Misinformation & Disinformation Book List
Need Help? Ask a librarian! We’re here to help you navigate the information landscape and find trustworthy sources.