{"id":41694,"date":"2024-10-02T09:26:13","date_gmt":"2024-10-02T13:26:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/?p=41694"},"modified":"2024-10-13T10:12:30","modified_gmt":"2024-10-13T14:12:30","slug":"media-literacy-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/media-literacy-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Getting Your Facts Straight: Tips on Media Literacy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size\">To avoid consuming\u2014and spreading\u2014misinformation, check out these handy, no-nonsense guidelines from Big Red librarians<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By <strong>Melissa Newcomb<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-drop-cap\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:auto 15%\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-drop-cap\"><em><em>The University Library\u2019s <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/guides.library.cornell.edu\/evaluate_news\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><em>guide to media literacy<\/em><\/a><em> starts with a quote from the late U.S. Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan: \u201cEveryone is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts.\u201d<\/em> <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><em>With election season in high gear, <\/em><\/em>Cornellians<em><em> tapped both the library\u2019s online resources and the staffer who helps maintain them\u2014reference librarian <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/guides.library.cornell.edu\/prf.php?account_id=9250\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><em>Michael Engle<\/em><\/a><em>\u2014to compile a primer on how to identify reliable sources of information, on social media and the Internet overall.<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>So as you peruse the news, make sure to \u2026<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading rkv-gutter-bottom-quarter\"><strong>Be Wary of What You Read (and Post) on Social<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"644\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-04-1-644x1024.jpg\" alt=\"A graphic of a cell phone with a large explanation point on the screen.\" class=\"wp-image-41732 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-04-1-644x1024.jpg 644w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-04-1-189x300.jpg 189w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-04-1-768x1222.jpg 768w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-04-1-966x1536.jpg 966w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-04-1-1288x2048.jpg 1288w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-04-1-993x1580.jpg 993w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-04-1-497x790.jpg 497w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-04-1-248x395.jpg 248w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-04-1-314x500.jpg 314w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-04-1-157x250.jpg 157w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-04-1-79x125.jpg 79w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-04-1-scaled.jpg 1610w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 644px) 100vw, 644px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>With little or no fact checking, misinformation (inaccurate info) and disinformation (falsehoods deliberately intended to deceive) can spread like wildfire on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Platforms like Facebook and Instagram may be great for sharing pet photos and recipes\u2014but they\u2019re notoriously unreliable sources of quality news. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots\" \/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:33% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"879\" src=\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-01-1-1024x879.jpg\" alt=\"A graphic of a computer screen with a magnifying glass over the URL.\" class=\"wp-image-41729 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-01-1-1024x879.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-01-1-300x258.jpg 300w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-01-1-768x659.jpg 768w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-01-1-1536x1319.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-01-1-2048x1758.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-01-1-1264x1085.jpg 1264w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-01-1-632x543.jpg 632w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-01-1-316x271.jpg 316w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-01-1-400x343.jpg 400w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-01-1-200x172.jpg 200w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-01-1-100x86.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading rkv-gutter-bottom-quarter\"><strong>Double-Check the URL<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Some websites spread disinformation in a particularly sneaky way: by disguising themselves as reputable and familiar news sources. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, the <em>New York Times<\/em>\u2019s actual URL is nytimes.com; a site trying to pass itself off as the <em>Times<\/em> might have a similar design, but its URL has a subtle variation in spelling or a different ending.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading rkv-gutter-bottom-quarter\"><strong>Beware of Sloppy Text<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Articles from credible news sources go through a rigorous editing process. If the text is riddled with spelling and grammatical errors, it\u2019s a telltale sign that the source may not be legitimate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots\" \/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:auto 30%\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading rkv-gutter-bottom-quarter\"><strong>Pause Before Sharing<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Before you forward an article or share it on social media, take a deep breath\u2014especially if it got you fired up. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since sparking an emotional reaction is a primary goal of purveyors of misinformation, such content merits extra scrutiny.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Stick to Reputable Sources<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you\u2019ve ascertained that a news source is legitimate, search within that site rather than googling the topic; that way, you don\u2019t have to repeatedly check for credibility. <\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"727\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-03-1-727x1024.jpg\" alt=\"A graphic of a cell phone with a prohibition symbol and an upward pointing arrow on the screen.\" class=\"wp-image-41731 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-03-1-727x1024.jpg 727w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-03-1-213x300.jpg 213w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-03-1-768x1082.jpg 768w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-03-1-1090x1536.jpg 1090w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-03-1-1454x2048.jpg 1454w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-03-1-1122x1580.jpg 1122w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-03-1-561x790.jpg 561w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-03-1-280x395.jpg 280w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-03-1-355x500.jpg 355w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-03-1-177x250.jpg 177w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-03-1-89x125.jpg 89w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-03-1-scaled.jpg 1817w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 727px) 100vw, 727px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>And as much as possible, avoid relying on social media for news\u2014since their algorithms are designed to reinforce your views rather than provide a balanced perspective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading rkv-gutter-bottom-quarter\"><strong>Use \u2018Lateral Verification\u2019<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Cross-check information with multiple reputable sources. Getting info from a variety of sources can also provide a broader perspective on an issue, giving you a more complete understanding of the topic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots\" \/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:27px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:31% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"938\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-05-1-938x1024.jpg\" alt=\"A graphic of a bar chart with a question mark hovering over it.\" class=\"wp-image-41733 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-05-1-938x1024.jpg 938w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-05-1-275x300.jpg 275w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-05-1-768x839.jpg 768w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-05-1-1406x1536.jpg 1406w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-05-1-1875x2048.jpg 1875w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-05-1-1264x1381.jpg 1264w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-05-1-632x690.jpg 632w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-05-1-316x345.jpg 316w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-05-1-400x437.jpg 400w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-05-1-200x218.jpg 200w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-05-1-100x109.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 938px) 100vw, 938px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Spot the Bad Stats<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To be an astute news consumer, you need to understand the proper use of data and statistics\u2014and the ways in which they can be manipulated or misrepresented to support a particular view. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Among the resources the library recommends are the TED talk \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ted.com\/talks\/mona_chalabi_3_ways_to_spot_a_bad_statistic?subtitle=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">3 Ways to Spot a Bad Statistic<\/a>\u201d and the article \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/datajournalism.com\/read\/handbook\/one\/understanding-data\/become-data-literate-in-3-simple-steps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Become Data Literate in 3 Simple Steps<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots\" \/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading rkv-gutter-bottom-quarter\"><strong>Be Skeptical of \u2018Fake News\u2019<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Contrary to the way the term has been misapplied in recent years, \u201cfake news\u201d is not a synonym for facts that some people prefer not to believe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Its narrow meaning refers to fabricated information that mimics journalism, but was produced without the proper editorial standards and processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots\" \/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading rkv-gutter-bottom-quarter\"><strong>Learn the Lingo<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Credible news sites offer a variety of content; not every article is solely fact-based, though these should be clearly labeled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, op-eds and reviews offer individual viewpoints, while analysis pieces provide context and background to help readers understand a topic.<\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"781\" src=\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-06-1-1024x781.jpg\" alt=\"A graphic of a computer screen with a megaphone in front of it.\" class=\"wp-image-41734 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-06-1-1024x781.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-06-1-300x229.jpg 300w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-06-1-768x586.jpg 768w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-06-1-1536x1172.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-06-1-2048x1563.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-06-1-1264x964.jpg 1264w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-06-1-632x482.jpg 632w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-06-1-316x241.jpg 316w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-06-1-400x305.jpg 400w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-06-1-200x153.jpg 200w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-06-1-100x76.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots\" \/>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:44% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"973\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-07-1-973x1024.jpg\" alt=\"A graphic of a stack of three newspapers.\" class=\"wp-image-41735 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-07-1-973x1024.jpg 973w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-07-1-285x300.jpg 285w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-07-1-768x809.jpg 768w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-07-1-1459x1536.jpg 1459w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-07-1-1945x2048.jpg 1945w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-07-1-1264x1331.jpg 1264w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-07-1-632x665.jpg 632w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-07-1-316x333.jpg 316w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-07-1-400x421.jpg 400w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-07-1-200x211.jpg 200w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024_1417_Howtospotfakenews_v3-07-1-100x105.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 973px) 100vw, 973px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading rkv-gutter-bottom-quarter\">D<strong>iversify News Sources<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Avoid relying solely on one type of media, such as TV, radio, podcasts, or print (whether on paper or online). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A variety of sources and formats offer a more comprehensive view.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading rkv-gutter-bottom-quarter\"><strong>When in Doubt, Check the Facts<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Fact-checking websites can help determine the validity of a claim.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Reputable ones include <a href=\"https:\/\/www.factcheck.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">factcheck.org<\/a> (run by the nonprofit Annenberg Public Policy Center); <a href=\"https:\/\/www.snopes.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">snopes.com<\/a>, a member of the International Fact Checking Network; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.politifact.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">PolitiFact<\/a>, run by the Poynter Institute, a global journalism nonprofit; and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/politics\/fact-checker\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><em>Washington Post<\/em> Fact Checker<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>illustrations by Caitlin Cook \/ Cornell University<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">Published October 2, 2024<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>To avoid consuming\u2014and spreading\u2014misinformation, check out these handy, no-nonsense guidelines from Big Red librarians<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":68,"featured_media":41693,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"alumni_hub_syml_posts":[21886,6165,40912],"footnotes":""},"categories":[225],"tags":[],"cornell_year_post":[],"post_folder":[],"class_list":["post-41694","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ask-the-expert"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Getting Your Facts Straight: Tips on Media Literacy - Cornellians | Cornell University<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"To avoid consuming\u2014and spreading\u2014misinformation, check out these handy, no-nonsense guidelines from Big Red librarians\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" 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