If not sure, consider the following check list:
- Check other sources before sharing the information.
- Is the original source cited with the information?
- Is there an "About Us" page? Or check whoxy.com for domain registry information.
- Have you heard of them? What makes them the authority?
- Is the story only one side of the debate?
- Is the news being reported on legitimate journalism sites? (Such as New York Times, ABC News, or the library database, Nexi Uni, which represents many valid news sources.)
- Are facts being left out? Does it seem believable to you?
- Are you aware of your own bias?
- Is the article making you angry or emotional?
- Read the information, circle the facts. Look for errors in names, place names, historical facts, and statistics. And watch or be aware of these words: only, first, and most.
Adapted from Barbara Gray's, How to Fact Check Like a Pro - LexisNexis.