Fake news
What is fake news?
Disinformation and hoaxes published on websites for political purposes or to drive web traffic, the incorrect information being passed along by social media.
Definition source: Macquarie Dictionary
The term fake news broadly refers to news content that consists of deliberate misinformation. The purpose of this fake news presumably is either to intentionally mislead the audience, to entertain the audience (often when they understand the hoax), or to make money for the fake-news producer.
Definition source: Forgette, R. (2019). News grazers : Media, politics, and trust in an information age. CQ Press.
- Digital Literacy Series: Fake newsClickView has a Digital Literacy series on fake news that provides more information on the topic.
Factchecker.org - How to spot fake news
Video length: 3 min 23 sec
Video created by FactCheck.org
How to spot fake news
Source: International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA), https://www.ifla.org/publications/node/11174
Fact-checking sites and plug-ins
Australian fact-checking sites:
- ABC Media LiteracyThe ABC has created a range of interactive media literacy resources focusing on questioning and understanding news. Topics include fake news, source checking and ethics.
- RMIT ABC Fact CheckAn ABC resource. Tests and adjudicates on the accuracy of claims made by politicians, public figures, advocacy groups and institutions engaged in public debate.
Video length: 1 min 11 sec
International fact-checking sites:
- FactCheck.orgA project from the nonpartisan and nonprofit Annenberg Public Policy Center.
- HoaxyFrom Indiana University, this site helps visualize the spread of fake news and hoaxes.
- PolitifactRates the accuracy of claims by elected officials and others who speak up in American politics.
- SnopesResearches and debunks myths, fake news, and rumors floating around on the internet.
Identifying fake news sites:
- False, Misleading, Clickbait-y, and/or Satirical “News” SourcesHuge list of fake news sites