Read past the headline.
Headlines can be outrageous, which in the day of online media and news that is their point. The more outrageous and unbelievable the headline, the more likely you are to click. Ask yourself “What is the whole story?” and read beyond the headline to investigate and find out.
Are the facts supported by experts? Reported on other new sources?
Is the story too outlandish? Could it maybe be satire? Sometimes bogus stories will cite official sounding sources, so be sure to click on those links. Determine if the information given and sources provided actually support the story.
If you are still unsure if the story or information is factual, consider using a fact checking website like www.factcheck.org.
Check the published date.
Reposting old news stories doesn’t mean they are relevant current events and could cause unnecessary concern or fear in your social network or community.
Consider the source.
Take some time on the news sources website and click away from the story and look into the sites mission, contact information and other story headlines.
For accurate information on COVID-19 consider using the following sources:
Information for this site was gathered from factcheck.org and the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions.