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Fact Checking & Evaluating Media Sources: HOME

FACT CHECKING & EVALUATING MEDIA SOURCES GUIDE CONTENTS

"FACTS ARE STUBBORN THINGS"

John Adams Quote: "Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passions, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence."

VIDEO: HOW FALSE NEWS CAN SPREAD

FAKE NEWS & ALTERNATIVE FACTS

In today's world of "fake news" and "alternative facts," it is especially important to evaluate sources of information and to verify facts. People have become much more politically polarized and tend to accept as fact news that agrees with their own personal opinion or ideology. We must all be vigilant in evaluating sources of information and finding out the real truth, rather than what we want to believe is the truth. A fake news story is one that is not true and cannot be proven with evidence. Fake news stories can take on lives of their own and be accepted as truth after being continuously repeated and passed on. Biased sources of information are not necessarily fake news, but you should still be aware of potential bias and any possible skewing or manipulating of facts in order to convince you of something that may not necessarily be the truth.

VIDEO: HOW TO SPOT FAKE NEWS

Librarian for Business, Economics & Government Information

Profile Photo
Christine Adams
Contact:
Christine Adams, MLS
Co-Director & Head of Research and Academic Support
William F. Maag Jr. Library
Information Services
Phone: 330.941.3681
Email: cmadams02@ysu.edu
330.941.3681